Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 18 février 2019
Meryl Streep Reveals Her Unique Real-Life Connection to Big Little Lies Season 2
The folks behind Big Little Lies so wanted Meryl Streep in the cast that they literally named the part for her.
"My real name is Mary Louise, so yeah, I had an in," smiled Streep when she and the cast joined series creator David E. Kelley at the show's Television Critics Association press day on Feb. 8 in Pasadena, CA.
In the second season of the series, which premieres in June, Streep plays Mary Louise Wright - aka the mother of Alexander Skarsgard's recently deceased (and fully despicable) Perry Wright and the mother-in-law of Nicole Kidman's Celeste Wright, who is covering up exactly how Perry perished. (Perhaps this is the cause for the seemingly awkward family dinner pictured above?)
Streep said she took on this project because, as a mother of four grown children herself, she was interested "in playing someone who is dealing with whatever the deficits of her parenting were, and the mysteries in that, and how you can't go back in time and fix something." Plus, she said she was hooked on the first season because she thought "it was an amazing exercise in what we know and what we don't know about people - about family, about friends, how it flirted with the mystery of things."
Although Big Little Lies has what Kelley describes as "tonally . . . a mix of comedy and drama," it is still a story that covers issues like spousal abuse and the repercussions it has on the children, classism, adultery, and school bullying. This is not the first time Streep has taken on roles in TV productions with considerable weight. She has Emmy Awards for appearing in the NBC miniseries Holocaust and the HBO adaptation of the AIDS-related play Angels in America, as well as for narrating the Netflix documentary about World War II, Five Came Back.
"You smell that it's necessary," she said regarding when and why she chooses such important works. "You really feel like it owns its place and you want to contribute to it. You feel like you have something to say about it."
14-Year-Old Marsai Martin Is Set to Become the Youngest Executive Producer in History
Black-ish star Marsai Martin is about to make history. The 14-year-old actress is gearing up to be the youngest executive producer of a major Hollywood movie in history. You read that right. She's 14, and she's out here making movies (and starring in them). Whew. She'll bear the title when her film Little, starring Insecure's Issa Rae and Girls Trip's Regina Hall, hits theaters this Spring.
The movie centers around a woman named Jordan Sanders (Hall), whose callous behavior causes her to become cursed by a little girl. Jordan then turns back into her 13-year-old self (Martin), who must relive her childhood. In an interview with The Root, Martin confirmed that the movie is inspired by Tom Hank's 1988 classic Big. "It was one of my most favorite films growing up," she said. "After the [season one] finale of Black-ish, we told Kenya Barris about it, and he called Will [Packer] and said: 'Yo, you know the girl who plays Diane on Black-ish? She has this dope idea!'"
Martin tweeted about her excitement for fans to see the film after the trailer dropped in January. "So happy to finally be able to share the trailer, so proud of the things accomplished since we started this and eternally grateful to you guys for listening when others didn't take us seriously," she wrote.
So happy to finally be able to share the trailer, so proud of the things accomplished since we started this and eternally grateful to you guys for listening when others didn't take us seriously ♥️ @TracyYOliver https://t.co/gFvElJrgGu
- Marsai Martin (@marsaimartin) January 10, 2019
I wonder what those people who didn't take her seriously were doing at 14 years old. Certainly not producing Hollywood films, that's for sure. Watch the trailer for Little before it hits theaters on April 12!
If These Kourtney Kardashian Snaps Were Any Hotter, They'd Burn a Hole Through Your Screen
Kourtney Kardashian just doesn't know when to quit, huh? Last year, the 39-year-old reality TV star nearly melted all of our screens with her steamy Instagram shots, and this year, she's at it again! From sexy lingerie shots to ultra glam selfies, Kourtney's snaps just keep getting hotter and hotter! Given that we're only in February, something tells us this is just the beginning of what's to come.
The Dance Team From That Viral Harry Potter Video Just Got a Perfect Score For This Routine
Guys. When I say I've been waiting for a new routine from the PAC dance team since October, I'm not exaggerating. The students from Walden Grove High School wowed me last year, not only with their viral Harry Potter moves, but with every single performance they gave on America's Got Talent. The team recently returned to the spotlight to compete in the Arizona state championships, and, spoiler alert: they took home the top honor with a PERFECT score.
Decked out in their own fraternity-inspired outfits that gave me major Beyoncé at Coachella vibes, they performed to hits like Jennifer Lopez's "Dinero" and Kanye West's "Ghost Town." Prepare yourself to be wowed again, and watch the full routine above. Congrats to the five-time state champions!
Emily Blunt May Not Be Singing Mary Poppins at the Oscars, but You'll Be Excited About Who Is!
The Academy has found a voice for its Mary Poppins Returns performance at the Oscars on Feb. 24, but, no, it's not Emily Blunt. Instead, the ever-iconic Bette Midler will sing "The Place Where Lost Things Go," accompanied by the film's lyricist and composer Marc Shaiman.
"So, (drum roll) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be chanteusing (that's singing) on the Oscars on Feb 24," Midler tweeted on Saturday. "So excited!!"
Midler and Shaiman are longtime friends, according to Variety, and he expressed his excitement for their collaboration on Facebook. "Could I have ever imagined that one day Bette Midler would sing a song I co-wrote with Scott Wittman for a sequel to 'Mary Poppins' at the Academy Awards?! My heart is exploding."
"The Place Where Lost Things Go," is one of five nominated songs expected to be performed next Sunday. Can the Oscars get here already?
Lorena Bobbitt Was at the Center of One of the Most Infamous '90s Crimes - Here's What She's Doing Now
Thanks to the new docuseries Lorena, the infamous Bobbitt trial is back in the headlines, more than 25 years after Lorena Bobbitt cut off a particular part of her husband John's anatomy, resulting in a pair of trials that captivated the nation in the 1990s. Now that so many years have passed, where is Lorena (pictured above at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019) now, and what has she been doing in the years since this headline-grabbing true crime case?
After her trial ended in a verdict of not guilty by reason of temporary insanity, Lorena was sent for a 45-day psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation period came and went, she was deemed not a danger to herself or others, and she was released to try to rebuild her life after being at the center of a gory, tragicomic court case that captured the attention of an entire country. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lorena explained that she considered leaving the country and returning to her family in Venezuela but ultimately decided not to and instead finished up the citizenship process.
"I could go back to Venezuela and my parents, but I want my parents to come here for a better life. I have nothing, but I still have my American Dream," she explained. While the rest of her family worked toward American citizenship as well, she supported them by working as an assistant and in a nail salon. Although she received several offers to capitalize on her high profile, she refused, preferring to stay out of the spotlight - even when Playboy offered her $1 million to do a nude photo shoot.
"Do you know how much a million dollars would have helped? But I stood up for my beliefs, my integrity, my Catholicism," she told Vanity Fair. Instead, she went back to school, where she met David Bellinger, who would become her second husband and the father of her daughter, Olivia.
More importantly, Lorena turned her attention to domestic violence causes. During the infamous trial, she alleged that her then-husband, John Bobbitt, was physically and emotionally abusive to her and had raped her before she attacked him. He underwent his own trial for rape but was acquitted. In 2007, Lorena founded Lorena's Red Wagon, now known as the Lorena Gallo Foundation.
"One of my missions is to educate the public and young women about the red flags in dating an abuser. I go to colleges and talk to sororities. I recently went to Tennessee to do a symposium at a law school; the law needs to be tightened a lot more to protect women, to protect the victim. There need to be more convictions for abusers. We have to have a background check on who can own guns. There are still a lot of loopholes that need to be closed," she told Time in a 2018 interview.
"I volunteer in local shelters for victims of domestic violence in northern Virginia. I'm a facilitator. I'm not a doctor, I'm not a psychologist - but we teach them to set boundaries, so eventually they end up figuring out the answer themselves," she continued. The foundation works with women in abusive situations, as well as advocating on a larger scale.
"I don't want to see another 25 years pass by and not be able to protect women more," she reiterated in her Time interview. After her own ordeal and time in the spotlight, she's content to stay away from fame and focus on making real change.
Don Cheadle Spread a Powerful and Necessary Message on SNL, Simply by Wearing This T-Shirt
Don Cheadle sent some subtle yet powerful messages with his fashion choices on Feb. 16's episode of Saturday Night Live. The 54-year-old actor hosted the show, and used the national attention to his advantage, wearing a "Protect Trans Kids" t-shirt as he introduced the musical guest, Gary Clark Jr.
Don's desire to stand up for transgender children received praise from fans and his fellow celebrities. Stars like Laverne Cox, Karamo Brown, Piper Perabo, and Sarah Silverman celebrated his action on the public stage. He also closed the show in a Sochi, Russia, "Trump" hockey jersey, a jab at the controversial president, who has attempted to block transgender soldiers from serving in the military.
Ahead, see a few of the excited reactions to Don's advocacy. More moves like this in 2019, please.
Mandy Moore Details Harrowing Psychological Abuse From Ex-Husband Ryan Adams
Mandy Moore has had the kind of career arc that many in Hollywood can only dream of. After rocketing to fame with her first album, So Real, and its hit single, "Candy," in 1999, Moore was able to transition from being a teenage pop star into a respected actress, landing roles in films like Saved, A Walk to Remember, and Tangled. Given her critically acclaimed performance in NBC's This Is Us over the last three years, it might seem like Moore's music career is far behind her, but allegedly, her recent lack of presence in the music industry wasn't entirely her decision.
When the 34-year-old recently sat down with The New York Times to discuss her marriage to ex-husband Ryan Adams in the newspaper's exposé of his alleged history of sexual harassment and indecency, she revealed that the singer-songwriter had effectively derailed her musical success during the time they were together.
"Music was a point of control for him," Moore says of her relationship with Adams. The pair first met in 2007, when she was 23 and he was a decade older, and in 2010 he offered to work on her next album. At that point she ended things with her music manager at the time, and said Adams took the opportunity to take control of her music career and prevent her from working with others. She said that although they wrote songs together "regularly," and Adams promised to record them, he'd replace her with other female artists and "lash out" in ways that Moore considers "psychologically abusive."
She also claims that he didn't treat her like a real musician, because she's known for her voice. "He would always tell me, 'You're not a real musician, because you don't play an instrument,'" she says.
Adams has since called Moore's characterization of their marriage "completely inconsistent with his view of the relationship," and claims that he remained supportive of her "well-deserved professional success" through his lawyer. Back in October, Adams made headlines for disparaging Moore on Twitter, tweeting that their marriage was "doomed from the start" because she didn't like the film Blade Runner, and that he was so high on painkillers at the time of their 2009 wedding that he doesn't even remember it. (He later apologized, saying he "was trying to be funny.")
"Music was a point of control for him."
Moore's deeply disturbing account of Adams's controlling behavior throughout their six-year marriage is similar to accounts from other women included in The New York Times article. Fellow singers Phoebe Bridgers and Courtney Jaye also came forward, alleging that Adams would dangle opportunities for success with his record label, Pax-Am (which is connected to Capitol Music Group), in front of them, only to later renege on his promises after taking advantage of them sexually.
Most of these allegations also involved instances of sexual harassment that echo the behavior of Harvey Weinstein. Though Adams denies it, Bridgers recalled an instance of bringing something to his hotel room after he'd asked her to and opening the door to discover he was "completely nude." Additionally, the Times acquired text messages between Adams and a 16-year-old aspiring bassist named Ava, who he implored to keep their exchanges a secret. (For instance, one text reads: "If people knew they would say I was like R Kelley [sic] lol.")
Though the article about Adams - which he called "upsettingly inaccurate" - was only just published, it's clear that the bravery and resilience of Moore and all the other women who came forward to share their alleged traumatic experiences with him has given strength to others who have dealt with similar instances of abuse. In a now-deleted Instagram post, supermodel and singer-songwriter Karen Elson alleged on Instagram that she, too, had endured a "traumatizing experience" with Adams, and was galvanized to speak out after seeing Moore, Bridgers, and Jaye do the same.
"While I'm not quite brave enough yet to speak about my specifics. I'm encouraged that many women have bonded and helped each other heal . . . I'm very grateful for these women. I hope all those speaking out are given the grace and dignity they deserve."
Just 70+ Unapologetically Adorable Photos of Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans
If you haven't been keeping up on celebrity romances - or more specifically, country music couples - then let us fill you in on one pair we've been swooning over lately. Two-time Grammy-nominated country star Kelsea Ballerini and her Australian husband, Morgan Evans, a country musician as well, have been flaunting some major cuteness as of late, and we can't get enough. From the singers' Grammy Awards PDA to their Instagram posts, this relationship has us going down a rabbit hole of their adorably romantic photos, and it's melting our cold, cold hearts. The newlywed couple just celebrated their one-year anniversary, and it's clear they're still head over heels in love. Here are some photos that solidify that Kelsea and Morgan's love is the stuff of legends.
Welp, There's a Ton of Fyre Festival Merch If Anyone Wants to Take One For the Team
Have you ever looked in your closet and thought, "Wow, I could really use a sweatshirt with Andy King's face on it"? Cool, neither have we. BUT, if you have a friend who was obsessed with the sh*tshow that was Fyre Festival and the two jaw-dropping documentaries that followed, the internet has delivered with some merchandise that's equally as entertaining as the stories that came out of the would-be festival. Because Fyre Festival might not have ever happened, but at least it gave us the gift of Andy King, and now you can give someone the gift of an Andy King sweatshirt! Ahead, shop nine Fyre Festival-inspired products that Billy McFarland should be required to wear while serving his six-year sentence in federal prison.
23 Songs by Black Women That Will Have You Feeling Good as Hell
Black women have long been the queens of the music industry, breaking boundaries and belting their way to the top of the charts. They use music to pull people in, rev people up, and call people out. From Nina Simone to Beyoncé, black women have been trailblazers across many genres and generations.
This month, we honor the women who gave us a voice and kept us on the beat with a playlist that highlights black women who are currently killing the music game. These tracks are as diverse as black women themselves, so be ready to get both on your feet and in your head with these amazing tracks. Read on to see our picks, then scroll to the bottom for a Spotify playlist.
Don't Assume Michonne's a Dead Woman - Here's How Her Story May Continue on The Walking Dead
Just as AMC's The Walking Dead unveils a key element to the Whisperers storyline, the network hits us with the devastating news that Black Panther actress Danai Gurira is leaving the series. While we wish her the best, what does the departure mean for Michonne? Will our sword-slinging sensation walk off into the sunset or face a gruesome death? What about her children? Who will lead in her absence? While it's far too early to answer any of these questions, we can certainly look to the comics for some possible scenarios.
At the end of the "All Out War" story arc in Image Comics' Issue 126, Michonne is part of the team sent by Rick to surround the Saviors in the final attack. She survives the battle and appears in the crowd during Rick's unification speech. All of this aligns well with the end of AMC's eighth season. But in the series' next issue, Michonne disappears.
Relax. Breathe. She's still alive and kicking.
While she doesn't make a reappearance until Issue 139, her adventures play out in The Walking Dead: Michonne, an episodic miniseries released by Telltale Games - that's right, a videogame based on Image Comics' beloved series! Players initially discover a despondent Michonne grappling with the guilt of leaving her children behind. She eventually joins a group of survivors on the high seas, bringing back a ship full of supplies to Rick and the gang. By the time Michonne returns to the comics, two years have passed, which is just about where the television series currently stands.
While the timeline would be a bit flip-flopped, AMC could certainly spare Michonne's life upon Gurira's departure by having her leave Alexandria to do some soul-searching. Perhaps as season nine concludes, Michonne could discover Rick survived the bridge blast and head into the wild to rescue him, tasking Daryl and Carol - the only characters still alive from the first season - with looking after the Grimes children.
Under her departure deal, Gurira is set to return for a few episodes during the tenth season and then may transition to the three movies AMC has planned for Andrew Lincoln. The network's programming president, David Madden, told The Hollywood Reporter the first movie will be told from Rick's point of view. If the other movies in The Walking Dead's franchise continue to operate with a spotlight on a singular character's journey, Michonne's seafaring storyline would make for a fantastic premise.
In the meantime, Michonne fans of all types may be interested to know our heroine currently has a significant storyline on the printed page. She eventually joins a suspiciously modern community known as the Commonwealth, where she is reunited with one of her daughters, Elodie, who she assumed died long ago. The Commonwealth has advanced equipment, nearly 50,000 survivors, and a dedicated army. Therefore, Michonne gives up her sword as a gesture of her readiness to embark upon a new way of life and returns to her old job as a lawyer.
Princess Diana Was Beloved By Hollywood - Here Are 7 of Her Most Famous Friends
There's no denying that Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most glamorous members of the royal family ever seen. Both during her marriage and after her divorce from Prince Charles, the princess was a fixture at high-profile events and reached beyond the typical royal constraints to participate in popular culture more and more.
Because of her willingness to socialize outside the aristocracy, Diana had a squad of friends that included some of the biggest names in music, film, and fashion. While their relationships weren't always smooth sailing, her circle was always stylish and up for a good time. Take a look at stories from some of her closest friends in the gallery below!
The Heartwarming Way Bradley Cooper Helped Ken Jeong While Filming The Hangover
Bradley Cooper is most closely associated with A Star Is Born at the moment, but let's not forget about an iconic movie he was in 10 years ago: The Hangover. One of Bradley's costars, the hilarious comedian Ken Jeong, certainly hasn't forgotten their time together during the movie, and he shared a touching story about how Bradley did him a major favor during a challenging time.
Ken's wife, Tran Jeong, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and was going through chemotherapy in 2009 when Ken landed the role of Mr. Chow in the comedy. Tran was still going through recovery when the Hangover cast was filming in Vegas, and Bradley offered to help Ken. "He drove me from Vegas to LA to be with Tran," Ken said in a video interview with Entertainment Tonight. He added that he and his wife spent the holidays with Bradley: "Tran was too weak from the chemo and couldn't travel. So we were in LA for the holidays and Bradley had us come over to his place to be with his family. It got me through the most difficult period of my life."
Ken, whose jokes can make you double over with laughter, said he and Tran - who are both doctors and parents to twins - definitely leaned on comedy to get them through the tough journey. "The fine needle to thread in terms of comedy is to try to find light where there is darkness," he said.
Nickelodeon Is Rebooting All That With Kenan Thompson, and We're Overwhelmed by Nostalgia
Dear Ashley - That's MEEEEEE! - Dear Ashley: wouldn't it be so great if there was an All That reboot in 2019 so all us '90s kids could revel in nostalgia and never grow up? Well, we have excellent news. That is exactly what's happening. In a new exclusive story, Variety has revealed that Nickelodeon is bringing back the classic and showing it to a whole new audience of teens and kids. President of Nickelodeon Brian Robbins said the show absolutely "stayed in the zeitgeist for many years" and that "people are really fond of it," which explains why a revival would be such a no-brainer.
That's not the only exciting news around the reboot! One of the show's original cast members, Kenan Thompson, will return as an executive producer on the show. Thompson is one of the most successful All That alums, having carried his knack for sketch humor into his long and illustrious Saturday Night Live career. "It means everything to me," he said, according to Variety. "It was my first job that I ever had. It gave me an opportunity." Though Thompson will continue his work on SNL and may not be heavily involved in the new All That, it sounds like he'll still have a pretty significant role in the casting and creative process.
As for what, exactly, will be contained within those beautiful minutes of revitalized laughs? Robbins said the sketches will be a mix of new ideas in addition to the classic sketches that made the show famous in the first place. That means we'll likely see all kinds of fun new takes on mainstays like "Good Burger" and "Dear Ashley." And if we don't hear at least one person scream, "SHHHHHH! THIS IS A LIBRARY!," we'll be pretty upset.
A Bar Fight Suddenly Turns Into an Impressive Synchronized Dance in This SNL Sketch
Don Cheadle has some serious moves! On the Feb. 16 episode of Saturday Night Live, the 54-year-old actor hosted the show and starred in a sketch about a bar fight that ends in a musical number. In the skit, Cheadle is enjoying a drink at a pub when a man bumps into him. The two get all riled up before deciding to take swings at each other.
Cheadle's foe requests that someone play his fighting song on a nearby jukebox. But things instantly go from tense and aggressive to soft and light when the music player accidentally starts serenading the bar with the upbeat tune "Lollipop" by recording artist Mika. "What is this song?" Cheadle says. "It's very bright. It's very fun. This is your fighting song?!" The men then decide to wait out the song while still trying to hold on to their anger before brawling. That proves to be ineffective as they can't fight the beat and end up prancing to the airy jam. The musical number gets even better when everyone at the bar breaks out in a synchronized dance, and it's pretty darn impressive. Watch the melodic moment in the video above!
Even Sheldon Cooper Would Be Impressed by These Epic Big Bang Theory Cast Flash Mobs
As we prepare to say goodbye to The Big Bang Theory, we can't help but reminisce about all the joy the show has brought us over the years. From Sheldon Cooper's (Jim Parsons) hilarious one-liners to the cast's real-life friendships, The Big Bang Theory will always hold a special place in our hearts. Still, nothing quite compares to the cast's epic flash mobs over the years - just take a look at their latest one for Backstreet Boys's "Larger Than Life!" The Big Bang Theory may finally come to an end later this May, but we'll always have these flash mobs to remember the cast by.
Watch Out For These Signs That Someone on a Dating App Is Married or Taken
If you're single and browsing the dating app world, you're probably in the market for other single ladies and fellas out there to chat with online. You're most likely not interested in meeting people who are in committed relationships or are married when browsing nonaffair sites like Tinder or Bumble. Unfortunately, you never know who is really behind that profile. Earlier this year, Tinder crashed nationwide, and there was a surge in Ashley Madison by 20 percent with new member sign-ups in both the US and the UK. Why? Well, according to a 2015 survey of around 1,282 active Tinder users (at the time there were around 50 million people on Tinder), nearly 30 percent of Tinder users are married, while another 12 percent are in a relationship. Yikes. While this was a small sampling, and who really knows if people tell the truth in those kinds of surveys, it is a good reminder to keep your guard up when you're dating online. Don't fall for liars on Tinder and other dating apps - prepare yourself with these tips. Here are the red flags to look out for that someone you meet on a dating site is either married or taken.
The Bride Was the Belle of the Ball in This Beauty and the Beast-Themed Engagement Shoot
Lydia and Patrick celebrated their engagement by emulating Beauty and the Beast in this gorgeous themed photo shoot that took place at the Dayton Art Institute in Ohio. Photographer Sarah Babcock was there to capture these cute moments between the couple, and she said that the day was "a romantic cosplay Beauty and the Beast engagement session." Lydia wore a stunning golden gown with pleated detailing to channel her inner Belle, and it looked straight out of the Disney fairy tale. Patrick wore a royal blue tailcoat embellished with golden buttons and embroidery with matching pants and white knee-length socks.
The pair then swapped their costumes for matching baby-blue outfits to pose at a secondary outdoor location with an "And they lived happily ever after" sign to stick with the fairy-tale theme. Lydia even posed with some books, which was a nod toward Belle's love of reading in Beauty and the Beast. See the gorgeous photos from this fantastical engagement shoot ahead.
Watch 40 of the Sexiest Country Music Videos Ever Made
We've rounded up 40 of the absolute hottest, pickup-truck-makeout country music videos that have ever been created. And after you watch them - which may result in passing out from these these country singers' hotness - listen to our sexy country playlist for even more boot-knockin' good times.
100+ Swoon-Worthy Romance Books to Add to Your Reading List
If you're a sucker for a tantalizing romance, start your year off hot and jubilant with these sensual books. Whether you love a bad boy, a good girl, or a passionate LGBTQ love, we have (almost) all of the sultry bases covered with the best romance novels that came out in 2018. Deep dive into these hot, heart-warming, and emotional relationships - you won't regret what's in store.
- Additional reporting by Lisa Renee Jones
15 of the Prettiest Prom Dresses We've Seen, Made Especially For Curvy Girls
There are few dresses in life that are quite as important as your prom dress. It's something so many girls dream of, and your chance to feel like the best version of yourself. If you can't wait to get shopping, start here. We've scoured the internet to find the 15 dresses we think you'll really love, and they're made especially for girls with curves. Happy shopping!
Amazon Is Selling a Grumpy Cat Heated Neck Pillow, and We Have Matching Attitudes
Since smiling is no longer an option during these cold Winter months, we've decided to rely on incredibly expressive products to show our emotions for us! After immediately purchasing Amazon's grumpy cat heated slippers, the rest of our bodies were riddled with jealousy, which is why we're bowing down to Smoko and its Heated Grumpy Cat Neck Pillow ($35) also available on Amazon.
Not only are neck pillows a necessity for all travel, but combine it with a grumpy face and a little warmth and we've never been more content. We're bringing this on flights, to work, in the car, and pretty much everywhere with us until it's above 60 degrees. Just plug the pillow into your computer's USB port to charge, give it some time to warm up, and get your grumpy cat on.
Did You Know? You Can Score 2019's Hottest Gadgets For Less Than $50!
We love technology because it makes our lives so much easier, and one of the most exciting parts of a new year is seeing all the fun, innovative gadgets to hit the market. The only thing better than new tech toys are ones that won't break the bank, and in 2019, there are plenty of cool finds for less than $50. You read that right. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
What It Feels Like to Travel While Black
I woke up at 6 a.m. in a tiny hotel room in Tokyo, checked my phone, and found an email from our hostel in Kyoto: "You missed your check-in date." In a half-awake frantic moment, I rummaged through my bag to find the itinerary I had printed out before we left New York. We were supposed to have left Tokyo the day before to head to Kyoto. It slowly hit me that we had accidentally overstayed our reservation at this accommodation and no one at the front desk had said a thing. I woke up my boyfriend, screamed at him to pack up as quickly as possible, and we ran out of there like criminals in the early morning light.
The jet lag had overcome me since our arrival, and I had gotten my days mixed up, which was the most innocent of blunders. However, the main feeling overflowing me in that moment wasn't shame over this simple mistake, but instead, "Oh God, they're going to think I'm a horrible, stealing, gross, American black woman with no respect for their hotel." My white boyfriend couldn't fathom why I was so upset over this mishap. But as a white person, of course he'll never understand what it is like to not just inhabit a person of color's body, but to travel while black.
When I go abroad, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders to be a good example of a black woman.
When I go abroad, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders to be a good example of a black woman so negative stereotypes don't continue, especially in homogeneous cultures where there is a lack of diversity. The media doesn't exactly portray black people incredibly well, and people watch it and make assumptions about what we're like based on the color of our skin. In some places, they've rarely even seen a black person in real life.
I am constantly aware of every move I make when I step outside of the United States. There is not a single moment when I am not cognizant of how I'm representing myself as I walk through the streets of Bangkok or photograph the monuments of Paris. It's a stinging fear of my presence in their country not being a positive one and therefore contributing to their biases toward people who look like me. When a white person does something unfortunate, they don't become an example of their entire race. But when one black person does something wrong, it paints us all that way in the eyes of others.
I feel that I am lucky that my travels have not included overt racism toward me, and that shows me the world is changing a lot in its ideals and how it treats people. For some, an article such as this might be talking about the moments of discrimination they've faced while journeying, but I am thankful that I've seemingly been born in a time that lends better to my presence in a place not leading to a negative slur or race-based attacked. The worst treatment has unfortunately come from my being a woman more than anything else.
When a white person does something unfortunate, they don't become an example of their entire race. But when one black person does something wrong, it paints us all that way in the eyes of others.
I think of all the people in the past who looked like me and had adventurous spirits but couldn't go anywhere, and I feel that I have no right at all to complain about what it's like today. Black people are traveling more than ever. It's not a secret that there are many websites and Facebook groups out there that cater to a diverse group of travelers to inspire and connect with one another. There are finally amazing travel bloggers of color going to places in the world and reporting on what it's like to actually be there, sharing their experiences as diverse globetrotters.
But the numbers are still small compared to affluent white voyagers. Fear of how you may be treated, discouragement from your family and peers, or even just lack of resources to make a trip happen mean that there are still fewer people of color stepping out into much of the world, and there are instances of black people being stared at or even pulled into photographs like a celebrity because of their rare appearances in certain cultures. I have yet to be the subject of a selfie, but I have gotten called "Beyoncé" and "Oprah" before, despite looking nothing like them.
Traveling as a black woman is a form of activism to me. I strive to change perceptions through my actions abroad. I never want to leave a country having made a local citizen think lesser of black people due to something I have done. I act respectfully, dress according to cultural standards, attempt to learn basic words in their language, respond politely, and interact cordially with those I meet. It's all done in order to maintain some sort of picture that I am not whatever ill-willed nonsense American media wants to portray me as and that there's no reason to be afraid or suspicious of my actions, just in the same way I wouldn't want a security guard following me through a store as I shop.
I still think back to when we stayed the extra night in Tokyo and what the owner of the hotel must think of me or if they even noticed or cared, and I hope it didn't reflect badly on my kinfolk who stay there in the future. Perhaps I'm overthinking it too much and should relax, but it's because I do care about the future of black travel that I pour so much of my heart into my behaviors abroad and only want to be the best I can be so things are better for everyone in the times to come.
This $20 Product Will Stop Your Dog From Tracking Mud Into the House Ever Again
If you have a dog (or an outdoor cat), this scene likely plays out multiple times a day, every day of the year. You take your sweet pooch to play in the park, let them out in the backyard, or walk them around the block, and no matter what the season or what the weather, their paws become filthy. We all have our methods for cleaning said paws - a dry towel by the door, a package of baby wipes, a silent prayer that none of the mud will rub off onto your floors and furniture if you do nothing - but somehow, none ever seem to be truly effective . . . until now.
Enter: the Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner, a $20 product that cleans dogs' paws in seconds, no matter where you are.
The portable product comes in three different sizes and has a three-piece setup that includes a canister with a rolled silicone mat inside. You simply add a bit of clean water, slide your furry friend's paw in, twist the Mudbuster so the soft silicone bristles can get all the gunk from between the pads of their paws, remove them squeaky clean, and pat to dry. Repeat the process for the other three paws, and let them run loose in the house without worry of muddy tracks all over.
Genius.
See exactly how the product works in the photos ahead, and grab one (or three) for your doggos.
These Modern Living Room Designs Will Spark Inspiration For Your Home in 2019
Keeping up with the latest styles in interior design is no small task. Between the mid-century furniture pieces, Persian rugs, and the stylish pillows and trendy plants on the market, it's hard to decipher what's here to stay and what's just a passing fad. However, if there's any room in your home that's worth the design upkeep, I'd say it's the living room. Not only is your common area a space to unwind and relax after a busy work day, but it's a gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy. Whether it's having a glass of wine over a movie or entertaining a crowd, your sitting room is worth the periodic makeover.
If you're interested in doing a living room overhaul, or just enjoy sifting through aesthetically pleasing home pictures, our friends at Sweeten (a free service that connects renovators with contractors) have provided us with some gorgeous common space pictures that will give you the makeover motivation you need. Have a look!
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.
This Inflatable Jacket Vacuum Dries Your Dog When They're Wet, and OMG - This Is Coming Home With Me Now
As someone who's been a pet owner for six years, I actually love the smell of wet dog. I don't necessarily love when our house smells like wet dog - that's actually kind of a stale, hot stench - I more enjoy when my dog is wet. It usually means she did something fun, like went on a walk in the rain or had a good bath. But my enjoyment fades fast because I know what comes next: I need to dry 60 pounds of Golden Retriever fluff.
Regardless of your dog's breed, everyone can agree that getting the dog to stand still while a loud dryer hovers around their fur is a harrowing task, which is where the Puff-N-Fluff Dog Dryer ($35-$65) comes in. Your dog steps into the leg openings, and it zips quickly, then you connect a blow-dryer to one of the hoses. It comes in four sizes, and because the air circulates inside of the jacket, they dry much faster.
Time to play in the rain!
20 Cool Inventions From Amazon Launchpad So Mind-Boggling, You Can't Live Without Them
If you're unfamiliar with Amazon Launchpad, you're missing out on a treasure trove of unique, brand-new products. So what exactly is this cool section on the site? "Amazon Launchpad is an onboarding and marketing program for startup products funded by crowdfunding, VCs, or incubators," the company explains. "Our mission is to support entrepreneurs by providing resources, expertise, and global infrastructure to sell and deliver innovative products to millions of Amazon customers."
Basically, it's a hub of innovative products you probably haven't heard about yet - but should hear about. It could literally be anything, from a new snack to a clever gadget. We rounded up the most genius items the site is currently offering. Check them all out, and try one out for yourself.
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.
7 Things People With Clean Kitchens Do Every Day
Do you hate to cook? Do you turn your nose when entering your kitchen and hurry out the door once your microwave beeps, signaling your frozen burrito is ready? And if we're really being honest, have you forgotten the last time you changed out your sponge or scrubbed the stove free of pasta-sauce splatters? It sounds like you have a messy kitchen. Marie Kondo, the Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up sympathizes. That's why she developed a system, which is called the KonMari Method, that allows anyone, even the seemingly hopelessly messy, can take on successfully.
If you're curious about her unique purging technique, read about my experience of using the KonMari Method in my kitchen. After you've trashed all the dishware, cooking tools, and pantry items that don't "spark joy" - aka make you happy when you see, touch, and use them - it's time to take on these daily habits of people with clean kitchens to keep your own space neat without intense effort.
- Keep Everything Off the Kitchen Counter
-
I know, this one seems like a tough one, yet your blender, sugar bowl, coffee maker, and other knickknacky things not only take up space on your counter, but they also actually make it impossible to clean. They gather dust and oily muck on and around them, and you ignore it. The person with a clean kitchen wipes down all appliances, etc. with a warm, damp sponge before storing the items in shelves or cabinets. Yes, even those things they use every day.
- Wipe the Stove, Sink, and Counter With Each Use
-
Marie Kondo says, "Tidying your kitchen means wiping away any water or oil." If there's nothing on your stove, sink, or counter, it suddenly becomes really easy to run a sponge over these areas every day to clean up any splashes or spills. Ta-da! No crumbs or mysterious stains to be seen.
- Keep Dish Soap and Sponges Under the Sink
-
Having tried this out myself, I can attest to its effectiveness. After washing dishes, simply squeeze out the sponge and keep it in a wire sponge holder under the sink along with your soap and rubber gloves. It's a surprising trick to keep your kitchen looking neat and inviting.
- Store the Trash Can Under the Sink
-
There's something off-putting about having a trash can in the middle of the kitchen, even one with a sleek stainless steel design. Storing your trash can under the sink keeps it out of sight and out of mind. I also love taking the trash out more frequently so my kitchen never smells.
- Wash and Dry Dishes Immediately
-
If you have a drying rack in your kitchen, get rid of it! It makes it all too easy to pile on the dishes without ever putting them away, plus the wet drippings pool and grow all sorts of gnarly things. Instead, do as the tidy person does and wash and dry the dishes immediately after a meal.
- Keep About 30 Percent of Your Fridge Empty
-
Ever wonder where you are going to put your leftovers or newly bought groceries? If you always have a few clear spots in your fridge, it makes it easy to find a designated spot for new things.
- Give Each Thing a Definite Home (Away From the Stove)
-
Though it's tempting to want to stash kitchen tools, spices, oils, etc. near the kitchen stove for easy access, this is a recipe for disaster. As things cook, the oil often splatters onto these items. In addition, the heat can drastically reduce the storage life of spices and oils, rendering them stale and rancid. Instead, store everything away from the stove. Before cooking, pull out all the equipment and food stuff you may need, and put each thing away, item by item, after its use. This makes cleanup way easier.
A Coffee-Brewing Alarm Clock Exists, and I Think I Just Became a Morning Person
If you're one of those people who can spring out of bed in the morning, I don't know whether to envy you or fear you. If given the option, I could lie in bed for hours. I've even tried letting my phone charge in the bathroom, leaving me no choice but to get up to turn off my alarm. The problem with that is that I just fall back into bed. At this point, I'll try anything to make my mornings as seamless as possible; but in my dream world, I would be woken up to fresh coffee brewing, birds chirping, the sun shining, with exactly enough time to pick out an outfit I actually like. Well, Urban Outfitters must've been listening, because they've made one of my dreams come true with this Barisieur Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock ($445).
This is an alarm clock that wakes you up with freshly brewed coffee or tea. Yes, you read that right. It's even got a refrigerated compartment for your milk, so it's all ready to go. If this isn't luxury, I don't know what is. Simply set your alarm, and once it goes off, your drink will be ready within three to five minutes. I'm not the only one who thinks this is the coolest thing ever; when I showed this fun gadget to my coworkers, one said, "I want someone to propose to me with that alarm clock." Now, the only question is, can this fit on our bedside table?
These Modern Living Room Designs Will Spark Inspiration For Your Home in 2019
Keeping up with the latest styles in interior design is no small task. Between the mid-century furniture pieces, Persian rugs, and the stylish pillows and trendy plants on the market, it's hard to decipher what's here to stay and what's just a passing fad. However, if there's any room in your home that's worth the design upkeep, I'd say it's the living room. Not only is your common area a space to unwind and relax after a busy work day, but it's a gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy. Whether it's having a glass of wine over a movie or entertaining a crowd, your sitting room is worth the periodic makeover.
If you're interested in doing a living room overhaul, or just enjoy sifting through aesthetically pleasing home pictures, our friends at Sweeten (a free service that connects renovators with contractors) have provided us with some gorgeous common space pictures that will give you the makeover motivation you need. Have a look!
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.
This Inflatable Jacket Vacuum Dries Your Dog When They're Wet, and OMG - This Is Coming Home With Me Now
As someone who's been a pet owner for six years, I actually love the smell of wet dog. I don't necessarily love when our house smells like wet dog - that's actually kind of a stale, hot stench - I more enjoy when my dog is wet. It usually means she did something fun, like went on a walk in the rain or had a good bath. But my enjoyment fades fast because I know what comes next: I need to dry 60 pounds of Golden Retriever fluff.
Regardless of your dog's breed, everyone can agree that getting the dog to stand still while a loud dryer hovers around their fur is a harrowing task, which is where the Puff-N-Fluff Dog Dryer ($35-$65) comes in. Your dog steps into the leg openings, and it zips quickly, then you connect a blow-dryer to one of the hoses. It comes in four sizes, and because the air circulates inside of the jacket, they dry much faster.
Time to play in the rain!
20 Cool Inventions From Amazon Launchpad So Mind-Boggling, You Can't Live Without Them
If you're unfamiliar with Amazon Launchpad, you're missing out on a treasure trove of unique, brand-new products. So what exactly is this cool section on the site? "Amazon Launchpad is an onboarding and marketing program for startup products funded by crowdfunding, VCs, or incubators," the company explains. "Our mission is to support entrepreneurs by providing resources, expertise, and global infrastructure to sell and deliver innovative products to millions of Amazon customers."
Basically, it's a hub of innovative products you probably haven't heard about yet - but should hear about. It could literally be anything, from a new snack to a clever gadget. We rounded up the most genius items the site is currently offering. Check them all out, and try one out for yourself.
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.
7 Things People With Clean Kitchens Do Every Day
Do you hate to cook? Do you turn your nose when entering your kitchen and hurry out the door once your microwave beeps, signaling your frozen burrito is ready? And if we're really being honest, have you forgotten the last time you changed out your sponge or scrubbed the stove free of pasta-sauce splatters? It sounds like you have a messy kitchen. Marie Kondo, the Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up sympathizes. That's why she developed a system, which is called the KonMari Method, that allows anyone, even the seemingly hopelessly messy, can take on successfully.
If you're curious about her unique purging technique, read about my experience of using the KonMari Method in my kitchen. After you've trashed all the dishware, cooking tools, and pantry items that don't "spark joy" - aka make you happy when you see, touch, and use them - it's time to take on these daily habits of people with clean kitchens to keep your own space neat without intense effort.
- Keep Everything Off the Kitchen Counter
-
I know, this one seems like a tough one, yet your blender, sugar bowl, coffee maker, and other knickknacky things not only take up space on your counter, but they also actually make it impossible to clean. They gather dust and oily muck on and around them, and you ignore it. The person with a clean kitchen wipes down all appliances, etc. with a warm, damp sponge before storing the items in shelves or cabinets. Yes, even those things they use every day.
- Wipe the Stove, Sink, and Counter With Each Use
-
Marie Kondo says, "Tidying your kitchen means wiping away any water or oil." If there's nothing on your stove, sink, or counter, it suddenly becomes really easy to run a sponge over these areas every day to clean up any splashes or spills. Ta-da! No crumbs or mysterious stains to be seen.
- Keep Dish Soap and Sponges Under the Sink
-
Having tried this out myself, I can attest to its effectiveness. After washing dishes, simply squeeze out the sponge and keep it in a wire sponge holder under the sink along with your soap and rubber gloves. It's a surprising trick to keep your kitchen looking neat and inviting.
- Store the Trash Can Under the Sink
-
There's something off-putting about having a trash can in the middle of the kitchen, even one with a sleek stainless steel design. Storing your trash can under the sink keeps it out of sight and out of mind. I also love taking the trash out more frequently so my kitchen never smells.
- Wash and Dry Dishes Immediately
-
If you have a drying rack in your kitchen, get rid of it! It makes it all too easy to pile on the dishes without ever putting them away, plus the wet drippings pool and grow all sorts of gnarly things. Instead, do as the tidy person does and wash and dry the dishes immediately after a meal.
- Keep About 30 Percent of Your Fridge Empty
-
Ever wonder where you are going to put your leftovers or newly bought groceries? If you always have a few clear spots in your fridge, it makes it easy to find a designated spot for new things.
- Give Each Thing a Definite Home (Away From the Stove)
-
Though it's tempting to want to stash kitchen tools, spices, oils, etc. near the kitchen stove for easy access, this is a recipe for disaster. As things cook, the oil often splatters onto these items. In addition, the heat can drastically reduce the storage life of spices and oils, rendering them stale and rancid. Instead, store everything away from the stove. Before cooking, pull out all the equipment and food stuff you may need, and put each thing away, item by item, after its use. This makes cleanup way easier.
A Coffee-Brewing Alarm Clock Exists, and I Think I Just Became a Morning Person
If you're one of those people who can spring out of bed in the morning, I don't know whether to envy you or fear you. If given the option, I could lie in bed for hours. I've even tried letting my phone charge in the bathroom, leaving me no choice but to get up to turn off my alarm. The problem with that is that I just fall back into bed. At this point, I'll try anything to make my mornings as seamless as possible; but in my dream world, I would be woken up to fresh coffee brewing, birds chirping, the sun shining, with exactly enough time to pick out an outfit I actually like. Well, Urban Outfitters must've been listening, because they've made one of my dreams come true with this Barisieur Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock ($445).
This is an alarm clock that wakes you up with freshly brewed coffee or tea. Yes, you read that right. It's even got a refrigerated compartment for your milk, so it's all ready to go. If this isn't luxury, I don't know what is. Simply set your alarm, and once it goes off, your drink will be ready within three to five minutes. I'm not the only one who thinks this is the coolest thing ever; when I showed this fun gadget to my coworkers, one said, "I want someone to propose to me with that alarm clock." Now, the only question is, can this fit on our bedside table?
dimanche 17 février 2019
Bye-Bye, Expensive Classes - These 14 Amazon Products Will Help You Practice Yoga at Home
Dragging yourself to the yoga studio after a long day can sometimes be a hassle. This year, make it a goal for yourself to ditch those expensive classes and try working out at home more. To make your sweat sessions easier, we shopped and hunted down the best yoga gear on Amazon. From comfy leggings to large workout mats, no doubt these products will get you excited for your next workout. Plus, they'll be delivered right to your door in just a few days. Take a look at our favorites ahead.
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