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.

mardi 26 février 2019

Yes, Lady Gaga's Oscars Necklace Was ACTUALLY From Breakfast at Tiffany's

This was not a "blink and you'll miss it" moment. No, Lady Gaga went big with her Oscars look, wearing the 128.54-carat, cushion-cut "Tiffany Diamond" necklace as the scene-stealing complement to her black Alexander McQueen gown. The necklace, which features one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world, has only been worn three times since its discovery in 1877 - most notably worn by Audrey Hepburn in promotional photos for Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961.

Apart from the jaw-dropping, 128.54-carat Fancy Yellow diamond sitting front and center, the necklace is set in platinum with 16 cushion-cut diamonds and 46 round brilliant diamonds. It's safe to say that the singer and A Star Is Born actresschose a statement piece worthy of the evening and for her performance of "Shallow" with Bradley Cooper. While she didn't win best actress, she did take home the Oscar for best original song, and we can't tell which coveted object appears shinier in the photos.

Reed Krakoff, Tiffany & Co. chief artistic officer, agreed - sharing that he was "thrilled that she will be wearing the legendary Tiffany Diamond on the awards show red carpet for the first time since it was discovered 141 years ago." For a closer look, keep clicking for all angles of Lady Gaga's Tiffany Diamond moment.

13 Work Tops So Cute, You'll Be Finding Excuses to Head Into the Office

Shopping for work clothes always feels like a drag. It's difficult to choose the perfect pieces for the office. Thankfully, our favorite sites are filled with cute designs that you can feel good about buying. We rounded up our favorite work-appropriate tops online for you to consider. As Spring approaches, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some new options for your wardrobe.

11 Over-the-Knee Boots That Look Stylish but Will Keep You Warm

If you're hunting for the perfect boot, try considering an over-the-knee silhouette. These sleek shoes are easy to wear with just about everything, including skirts and dresses during colder weather that you can simply pair with tights or leggings. Need more convincing? Ahead, we curated a list of the hottest choices right now at every price point, so all you have to do is shop. Take a look.

These 17 Cute Work Dresses Will Make You Excited to Go to the Office

Now is an excellent time to revamp your work wardrobe. A new month symbolizes a time to focus on change, especially when it comes to clothes. If you want to feel cute and put-together at the office, we rounded up our favorite dresses that are perfect for work. They are super versatile, so you can feel good about stocking up. Get ready to shop!

Kacey Musgraves Is a Modern Glinda the Good Witch on the Oscars Red Carpet

When Kacey Musgraves glided onto the 2019 Oscars red carpet on Feb. 24, I saw visions of Glinda the Good Witch immediately. The cotton candy pink! The tulle! The tiers! The illusion sleeves! I'm surprised the 30-year-old singer and recent Grammy winner didn't arrive to the show in a bubble. Kacey kept the rest of her outfit relatively understated, opting for diamond stud earrings and a metallic clutch.

She helped to introduce a musical performance during the show, so I got even more glimpses of her stunning gown. Ahead, see more photos of Kacey's delicate look.

Fashion Week's Street Style Finale Has That Je Ne Sais Quoi

With the last lap of Fashion Week, we're treated to a grand street style finale in Paris. The fashion set's breaking out their Spring duds to take on the City of Light, giving us a veritable fashion show between every runway. Look for fresh layers, statement shoes, and chic bags to accompany every outfit. We've got the best of the best looks right here.

On Wednesdays (or Oscars Night) We Wear Pink - See All the Pretty Pink Dresses on the Red Carpet

Did a memo go out to Oscar attendees to wear pink? Stars like Kacey Musgraves, Gemma Chan, and Linda Cardellini went BIG with their frilly, poufy, princessy pink gowns - and we are in full support of this trend. Even Jason Momoa got in on the action with a pink suit (and scrunchie?). See all the pretty in pink looks ahead!

Linda Cardellini's Hot Pink Oscars Gown Screams "Go Bold or Go Home, People"

Linda Cardellini arrived to the Oscars red carpet, and she did it with a fluffy statement. The actress, who appeared in Green Book, may have made the pinkest appearance of the evening. Her tiered, bubblegum-hued gown is topped off with a satin bow. She complemented the look with classic black pumps. If Glinda the Good Witch and Elle Woods had a long lost cousin in common, she would undoubtedly wear this design.

The poofy confection is definitely one of the wildest ensembles of the night, but we respect it. What's a red carpet without a few head-turning gowns? Make sure to check out every detail of Cardellini's look - we've got all the angles.

Nordstrom Released 11 Blogger-Approved Shoes That'll Invigorate Your Spring Outfits

If you haven't checked out the Something Navy collection at Nordstrom designed by fashion blogger Arielle Charnas, you're missing out on some majorly cute stuff. The line is filled with gorgeous dresses, tops, coats, pants, and accessories, but it's the shoes that give us major heart eyes. We curated a selection of the heels, flats, and boots our editors are loving from the line. They tend to sell out quickly, so shop them while you can.

Reformation Just Dropped Its Latest Linen Collection, So Send Help to My Bank Account

It's no secret that here at POPSUGAR, we love Reformation. The brand's clothes are fun, flirty, and eco-friendly, making it so much easier to justify adding one more dress to our carts. Today, the site dropped its brand-new linen collection, just in time for Spring. The collection stars model Elsa Hosk in some of the dreamiest, most romantic pieces we've seen. So, what are you waiting for? Your closet will thank you.

28 Black Fashion Influencers You Need to Follow Right Now

Let's face it, sometimes trying the newest trends can be a little intimidating. If you are iffy about throwing on those fishnet tights under your ripped jeans or hesitant to layer two loud prints, you're going to want these ladies and men in your life (read: Instagram feed). While all of these well-dressed leaders have very different lives, there's one thing they all have in common: their personal style is on point. If these badass black fashion influencers aren't already on your radar, you're going to want to hit "follow" and double-tap your way to a more stylish day, every day.

These Oscars Gowns Are So Glamorous, You'll Wish You Weren't Wearing Sweats

The Oscars red carpet is, without a doubt, where the stars whip out their snazziest wardrobe looks of the entire award season. This is the night when glamour is a must and an afterparty outfit is a given. If there was any time to be adventurous - wear a new, flashy color, try on sequins or Swarovski crystals for size, or slip on a statement accessory - it's right now. See who rose to the challenge for Hollywood's biggest, most anticipated evening out, then vote on the best dressed.

15 Genius Home Organizers We Didn't Know We Were Missing From Our Lives

If you feel like your home could use a pick-me-up this year, now's the time to get organized. To make it easy we shopped and uncovered 15 genius products that will help you get it together. From over-toilet storage to refrigerator containers, you'll wonder how you lived so long without them. They best part: they're all from Walmart and extremely affordable. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.

You May Have to Buy New Bathroom Towels More Often Than You Think

It can be tricky to figure out (and remember) how often we should replace household products – especially bathroom towels. You use them to dry off after getting clean and you wash them frequently, so chances are, if you're like me, you've had your bathroom towels for years. But exactly how long are we supposed to hold onto them before we should toss them for new ones? Turns out, the expert-recommended amount of time is every two years.

"Because towels are used daily and washed frequently, they tend to fray and tear after a couple of years," says Leanne Stapf, Chief Operating Officer at The Cleaning Authority. "They typically lose their absorbency around the two-year mark, which is a good indicator that it's time to replace them."

Of course, there's some flexibility with this rule and some types of towels may last longer than others. "Laundering, use, and heat will, over time, put a strain on the fibers of your towel which will eventually lead to it becoming stiff and less comfortable to use," says Rachel Ward, Founder of Lüks Linen. "If you're using a flat weave towel, you can extend its shelf life into double figures. A good quality loomed peshtemal will get softer, not stiffer over time, and doesn't benefit from fabric conditioner or the inside of a dryer." Rachel also suggests opting for natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, when purchasing towels.

In the market to purchase some new bath towels? Read up on some of our favorites here.

The 19 Coolest New Gadgets Online Will Make 2019 More Fun, Trust Us

In 2019, we're seeing a big tech trend in quirky products intended to make your life easier. From a wine dispenser to an alarm clock with wheels, there's something that will improve all aspects of your life. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you. We rounded up the coolest options you can get online. Prepare for your mind to be boggled.

Your Cat Will Love (but Honestly Probably Hate) Wearing These Hilarious "Cat Caps"

Serious question: is there anything more entertaining and adorable than dressing your cat in a Halloween costume? Even though they're likely plotting your murder while wearing whatever cheeky getup you squeeze them into, they still manage to look cute because . . . well, they're cats! Lucky for us, Urban Outfitters is getting in on the pet costume fun by selling an assortment of so-called "cat caps" that are beyond affordable.

There are five different options that'll transform your four-legged friend into a non-feline animal, including a bunny, panda bear, and penguin, for just $8 or $10, depending on which one you choose. The tiny toppers fit right on their noggins and are secured with velcro, so at the very least, you could slip one on real quick and snap a few photos in between hisses. Keep reading to shop for each of the animal-inspired caps and see how funny they look on cats in real life.

I Was Not Prepared For How Much Losing Our Family Dog Would Affect My Daughter

My third grader's teacher agreed something was off with her. Thankfully, she was going to allow my daughter to retake the test she'd failed that week. The poor grade was completely out of character, and once I explained we had just lost the family dog, who had been with us since my daughter was born, her teacher said it all made sense. I felt grateful for the second chance, but I was also getting very concerned about how hard my daughter was taking this loss.

They'd grown up together. Lola was there for every major milestone in my daughter's life, and the bond they formed was unbreakable.

I don't think anyone in our family saw the passing coming. Our dog was like a cat, in that she seemed to have nine lives. Lola beat Lyme disease, kidney stones, and even got hit by a car once. Every time, our spunky beagle came back stronger than before. At the advanced age of 14, sure, she'd slowed down considerably, but Lola was still as persistent as ever when it came to stealing my daughter's and her two sisters' snacks, or following her nose off our property and into a neighbor's yard. That's why when we came home one evening to find Lola unable to walk, we all figured a trip to the vet the next day would restore her mobility. Sadly, we were wrong. After administering several tests, the vet gently suggested this might be the end of the road for our sweet Lola. Her liver was failing, her arthritis was so bad, and it was unlikely or impossible that she'd ever be able to walk again.

Shocked, I looked into Lola's eyes, and that's when I saw she already knew how sick she was. Perhaps she'd been hiding it from us, and all of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We put Lola down that morning, and I cried nonstop for about 48 hours straight. I think I'd taken Lola's passing so hard, I didn't immediately notice how upset my oldest daughter was (her younger siblings were a bit too young to fully understand what was happening). Once my head cleared a bit, I saw she wasn't shaking the loss off as I'd expected her to.

They'd grown up together. Lola was there for every major milestone in my daughter's life, and the bond they formed was unbreakable. Lola comforted my daughter when she was upset, relished in her excitement over the smallest of things, and ran to her as soon as she got home from school every day. And even in recent years, when my daughter's life revolved less around Lola and more around friends, school, and swim practice, they still loved each other. Lola had made a permanent imprint on my daughter's heart, and after talking to her, it became clear she was feeling very sad and confused.

I wish I knew all the answers about where pets go when they pass away, or why this was the time for Lola to leave us. All I could do was try my best to listen to my daughter's concerns about what happened and share with her that I too was grieving. The nights were the worst. My daughter couldn't stop crying and had trouble falling asleep. I'd lie with her until she calmed down and nodded off. Confiding in her teacher helped a lot, because my daughter also had an ally at school to help her deal with her feelings. At home, we continued to talk about Lola and cry - a lot.

I figured it would just take time for our family to get over the pain. But my husband had another idea. He suggested that we rescue a dog to fill the hole in our hearts. I felt reluctant to get another pet so soon, since I knew nobody could replace Lola. But once I saw how much the idea lifted my daughter's spirits, I got on board. About a week later, we adopted another beagle named Bagel. The sadness I'd seen in my little girl was taken over with excitement by the new addition to our family. My husband and I explained that while Lola could never be replaced, we could make room in our hearts for a new dog, and my daughter understood.

Now, years later, we still miss her tremendously, and have framed photos of her in our home so we can remember her soft ears, mischievous eyes, and beautiful spirit. My daughter shares funny stories from when Lola was with us, and it's bittersweet to see how her grief has turned to loving memories of our first family pet.

Oh My Genie! Disney's Aladdin Mickey Ears Are Shining, Shimmering, Splendid

Just weeks after the release of Disney's live-action Aladdin trailer showcasing Will Smith as the blue genie, the Disney parks are dropping a new pair of Mickey ears to get us even more hyped about the movie. First spotted by Instagram user DisneyStyle, the Instagram-worthy ears are covered in shimmering turquoise sequins that match Princess Jasmine's outfit in the film, and are topped with both a magic carpet bow complete with gold tassels and a blue genie gem. With so much glitz and glam in one little accessory, I expect they will add plenty of shine to any Disney park visit.

These adorable Aladdin-inspired ears are already available at Disneyland Resort and expected to show up at Disney World Resort soon. Even if you already own enough pairs of Mickey ears to satisfy a sultan, these are sure to make you feel like you have a little piece of Aladdin's magic carpet guiding you through the Disney parks. Keep reading to see more photos of the sparkly ears and maybe grab yourself a pair next time you and your family take a trip to Disneyland.

Please Tell Me I'm Not the Only One Who Didn't Realize You Can Dim an iPhone Flashlight

We've likely all been in the following situation at one point: the clock just struck 1 a.m. and you're ready to pass out, but you desperately need to plug in your phone to charge it first. The only problem? Your lights are off, and despite your haphazard floundering, you can't find that dadgum cord to bring your precious device back to life overnight. Naturally, you turn to your phone's built-in flashlight to illuminate said dark room, only for your retinas to beg for mercy due to the harsh, sudden beam of light. Sound familiar?

Luckily, there's a little-known way to adjust the intensity of your iPhone's flashlight, and I'm honestly wondering how I've made it to this point in my life without using it. All you have to do is swipe up (or down, depending on what iPhone model you have) to access the Control Center, then press and hold the flashlight icon. This makes a toggle switch pop up, allowing you to either decrease or increase the brightness, with four different levels of varying intensity to choose from. Easy-peasy!

Now, I'm sure all you Apple pros out there are rolling your eyes because this feature isn't new, as any iPhone with iOS 11 or later has the capability to control flashlight brightness, but I'm actually not the only user who's recently discovered the life-changing hack. Much to my relief, a quick Twitter search reveals that plenty of other people are just now finding out about the somewhat hidden feature, too. Between this and that nifty trick for closing all Safari tabs at the same time, I'm over here wondering what other helpful features are hiding behind my iPhone screen.

The Sexiest Novels of 2019 So Far - No Guilt Required

Do you think incredibly well-written books can't also be incredibly sexy? Think again! Romance novels have a scandalous reputation (we're looking at you, Fifty Shades of Grey), but believe it or not, some of the best literary novels out there have scenes that would make your toes curl, and they deserve to be recognized. From fun flirtation to forbidden romances, sexy novels are way more empowering than you might expect, and they're so much fun to read. See the titles we've deemed the sexiest picks of 2019 (so far) ahead.

7 Habits I Formed That Drastically Improved My Sex Life

Sex hasn't always been a positive experience for me. It was a taboo topic from a young age, and it was definitely a forbidden experience unless I was married. I eventually broke free from those ideas, but the act was still shrouded in self-inflicted guilt and shame. And after being sexually assaulted in my early 20s, I was certain that I must be broken, that sex just didn't work for me like it did for everyone else. But, thankfully, after starting therapy, reading many self-help books, and, well, practicing a lot more, I've finally found the seven habits that have vastly improved my sex life. Keep reading to see how I turned things around for the better.

I Had Sex Every Day For a Week, and This Is What I Learned

My relationship with sex has slowly evolved over the past 10 or so years. Before that, I just did what someone else wanted regardless of how I felt about it, which was soul-sucking and traumatic at the very least. Now that I have asserted complete ownership over my body, what I do with it, and who I do it with, I decided to take on an experiment of having sex every day for a week. I considered trying it for a month, but conflicting and busy schedules would have made it impossible.

Having sex for a week seems like a simple activity that wouldn't require much effort, but I was surprised by what I discovered as we pushed toward the end of the week. Keep reading for a full breakdown of what I learned.

Day 1

No problems here. It was the first day, and we were ready to take on the challenge. On day one, I didn't learn much beyond the fact that sex is fun and so are sex challenges.

Day 2

Some discussion happened on the night before day two that went a little like this: "So, what time do you want to have sex tomorrow? Oh, after dinner sounds great." There was still excitement there, but it didn't feel as spontaneous as the first day. Because it wasn't. Day two taught me that it's absolutely OK to schedule sex, especially if you have busy lives. It's better to schedule sex than not have it at all.

Day 3

"So I guess we need to do this thing. You ready?" Everyone undresses anticlimactically and climbs into bed, but we spent a good amount of time cuddling, stopping, going, watching a movie that was extremely interrupted, and connecting with each other. I learned on day three that intimacy and connection can be just as or even more powerful than the actual act of sex. When we connected and slowed down, even without all the frills of the "chase," we wanted each other just as much, while stripping away all of the extra to-dos that can often accompany the rituals of sex.

Day 4

It's amazing how quickly the excitement fizzles when you start having sex because you're accepting a challenge as opposed to it feeling like a spontaneous, hot event. We got lazy this night and brought out some toys to ensure a climax with the least amount of effort on our part. We lasted around 10 minutes. Good times.

Day four taught me the value of perseverance . . . just kidding. Day four showed me that it's easy to lose some of the eroticism with your partner when you stop trying. As with any relationship, there's often a fine balance between eroticism and security. If you lean too far one way, you can lose some of the other. We decided we needed to up our game if we wanted to keep this fun rather than a chore. Sex feeling like a chore can eventually lead to resentments and damage to the relationship, not necessarily during a one-week challenge but if it's a continuous experience.

Day 5

I was shocked by how unexciting and unappealing having sex sounded by this point. I thought I loved sex! I know I love sex. I thought I loved my partner! I know I love my partner. What the heck was going on? We decided to get a little more creative here, otherwise it wasn't going to happen. I wore my laciest black panties, sent a few risque photographs throughout the day, and walked in on my partner getting settled after a long day of work wearing nothing but those little lacies. Then I climbed on their lap and told them exactly where I wanted their hands and mouth. Needless to say, day five injected a little of that spark back into something that had turned monotonous as opposed to passionate.

I learned the power of my voice on day five. As someone who struggles to assertively say what they want, this was great practice for advocating for my own wants and needs. It was surprising to my partner as well, which added some heat to the potentially lukewarm hump-day of this one-week challenge (pun intended). It's definitely a turn-on - and very helpful - when you or your partner voice exactly what you want when having sex and even when you're not.

Day 6

I left day six up to my partner. I had taken the reins the day before, and now it was their turn. Restraints and some spanking might have been involved - with consent, of course. And the growl of wanting had returned. We were approaching the end of the challenge, and there was a tiny bit of relief in that. Sex is fun. A lot of sex is fun. But there's something to be said for being a little less available. I want to be able to voice when I want to have sex with my partner, and I love when they reciprocate. But committing to a challenge like this feels like it takes away some of that power to say, "Not today" (we would absolutely say, "Not today," if we felt uncomfortable with it for any reason), which takes away some of the passion in the experience.

Day 7

Our schedules had caught up with us at this point. We both had engagements that night and wouldn't be seeing each other. As we took a drive during our lunch break together, I was surprised to see the car pulling around behind the back of a building right in the middle of the city. "What are we doing?" I asked. A hand slipped inside the front of my pants in response.

Sex can be such an empowering experience. It's been a long road of healing and recovery on my sexual journey, but I wouldn't have learned what I've learned along the way without those experiences. I've learned that my voice matters, that I can advocate for my needs, that I can say no, that I can initiate sex, and that intimacy and connection don't have to be a scary place to be.

Calling All Pisces! These 15 Gifts Are Perfect For Your Personality

Calling all Pisces, our time is here! Starting Feb. 19, it's officially Pisces season. The sign is known for having creative, intuitive natures - and those water signs are so wise beyond their years. It's time to celebrate being a February or March baby to the fullest with fun gifts that celebrate your zodiac sign. We curated a list of fun essentials that would be cool treats. Make sure to check them all out.

Related: 23 Top Gifts From Amazon So Genius, We're Predicting They're the Hot Purchases of 2019

15 Genius Home Organizers We Didn't Know We Were Missing From Our Lives

If you feel like your home could use a pick-me-up this year, now's the time to get organized. To make it easy we shopped and uncovered 15 genius products that will help you get it together. From over-toilet storage to refrigerator containers, you'll wonder how you lived so long without them. They best part: they're all from Walmart and extremely affordable. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.

You May Have to Buy New Bathroom Towels More Often Than You Think

It can be tricky to figure out (and remember) how often we should replace household products – especially bathroom towels. You use them to dry off after getting clean and you wash them frequently, so chances are, if you're like me, you've had your bathroom towels for years. But exactly how long are we supposed to hold onto them before we should toss them for new ones? Turns out, the expert-recommended amount of time is every two years.

"Because towels are used daily and washed frequently, they tend to fray and tear after a couple of years," says Leanne Stapf, Chief Operating Officer at The Cleaning Authority. "They typically lose their absorbency around the two-year mark, which is a good indicator that it's time to replace them."

Of course, there's some flexibility with this rule and some types of towels may last longer than others. "Laundering, use, and heat will, over time, put a strain on the fibers of your towel which will eventually lead to it becoming stiff and less comfortable to use," says Rachel Ward, Founder of Lüks Linen. "If you're using a flat weave towel, you can extend its shelf life into double figures. A good quality loomed peshtemal will get softer, not stiffer over time, and doesn't benefit from fabric conditioner or the inside of a dryer." Rachel also suggests opting for natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, when purchasing towels.

In the market to purchase some new bath towels? Read up on some of our favorites here.

The 19 Coolest New Gadgets Online Will Make 2019 More Fun, Trust Us

In 2019, we're seeing a big tech trend in quirky products intended to make your life easier. From a wine dispenser to an alarm clock with wheels, there's something that will improve all aspects of your life. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you. We rounded up the coolest options you can get online. Prepare for your mind to be boggled.

Your Cat Will Love (but Honestly Probably Hate) Wearing These Hilarious "Cat Caps"

Serious question: is there anything more entertaining and adorable than dressing your cat in a Halloween costume? Even though they're likely plotting your murder while wearing whatever cheeky getup you squeeze them into, they still manage to look cute because . . . well, they're cats! Lucky for us, Urban Outfitters is getting in on the pet costume fun by selling an assortment of so-called "cat caps" that are beyond affordable.

There are five different options that'll transform your four-legged friend into a non-feline animal, including a bunny, panda bear, and penguin, for just $8 or $10, depending on which one you choose. The tiny toppers fit right on their noggins and are secured with velcro, so at the very least, you could slip one on real quick and snap a few photos in between hisses. Keep reading to shop for each of the animal-inspired caps and see how funny they look on cats in real life.

I Was Not Prepared For How Much Losing Our Family Dog Would Affect My Daughter

My third grader's teacher agreed something was off with her. Thankfully, she was going to allow my daughter to retake the test she'd failed that week. The poor grade was completely out of character, and once I explained we had just lost the family dog, who had been with us since my daughter was born, her teacher said it all made sense. I felt grateful for the second chance, but I was also getting very concerned about how hard my daughter was taking this loss.

They'd grown up together. Lola was there for every major milestone in my daughter's life, and the bond they formed was unbreakable.

I don't think anyone in our family saw the passing coming. Our dog was like a cat, in that she seemed to have nine lives. Lola beat Lyme disease, kidney stones, and even got hit by a car once. Every time, our spunky beagle came back stronger than before. At the advanced age of 14, sure, she'd slowed down considerably, but Lola was still as persistent as ever when it came to stealing my daughter's and her two sisters' snacks, or following her nose off our property and into a neighbor's yard. That's why when we came home one evening to find Lola unable to walk, we all figured a trip to the vet the next day would restore her mobility. Sadly, we were wrong. After administering several tests, the vet gently suggested this might be the end of the road for our sweet Lola. Her liver was failing, her arthritis was so bad, and it was unlikely or impossible that she'd ever be able to walk again.

Shocked, I looked into Lola's eyes, and that's when I saw she already knew how sick she was. Perhaps she'd been hiding it from us, and all of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We put Lola down that morning, and I cried nonstop for about 48 hours straight. I think I'd taken Lola's passing so hard, I didn't immediately notice how upset my oldest daughter was (her younger siblings were a bit too young to fully understand what was happening). Once my head cleared a bit, I saw she wasn't shaking the loss off as I'd expected her to.

They'd grown up together. Lola was there for every major milestone in my daughter's life, and the bond they formed was unbreakable. Lola comforted my daughter when she was upset, relished in her excitement over the smallest of things, and ran to her as soon as she got home from school every day. And even in recent years, when my daughter's life revolved less around Lola and more around friends, school, and swim practice, they still loved each other. Lola had made a permanent imprint on my daughter's heart, and after talking to her, it became clear she was feeling very sad and confused.

I wish I knew all the answers about where pets go when they pass away, or why this was the time for Lola to leave us. All I could do was try my best to listen to my daughter's concerns about what happened and share with her that I too was grieving. The nights were the worst. My daughter couldn't stop crying and had trouble falling asleep. I'd lie with her until she calmed down and nodded off. Confiding in her teacher helped a lot, because my daughter also had an ally at school to help her deal with her feelings. At home, we continued to talk about Lola and cry - a lot.

I figured it would just take time for our family to get over the pain. But my husband had another idea. He suggested that we rescue a dog to fill the hole in our hearts. I felt reluctant to get another pet so soon, since I knew nobody could replace Lola. But once I saw how much the idea lifted my daughter's spirits, I got on board. About a week later, we adopted another beagle named Bagel. The sadness I'd seen in my little girl was taken over with excitement by the new addition to our family. My husband and I explained that while Lola could never be replaced, we could make room in our hearts for a new dog, and my daughter understood.

Now, years later, we still miss her tremendously, and have framed photos of her in our home so we can remember her soft ears, mischievous eyes, and beautiful spirit. My daughter shares funny stories from when Lola was with us, and it's bittersweet to see how her grief has turned to loving memories of our first family pet.

lundi 25 février 2019

Cut Cooking Time and Reach Your Weight-Loss Goals With These 16 Meal-Prep Freezer Hacks

While making a week's worth of high-protein mason jar salads or a DIY salad bar is great to meal prep to keep in your fridge, don't forget to utilize your freezer! It's one of the best healthy eating and weight-loss tools you have. Here are some things you can prep ahead of time to freeze for quick and healthy food later.

This 5-Move Circuit Will Help Burn Fat and Sculpt Your Core, No Matter Your Fitness Level

Everyone wants a smaller waist, but figuring out exactly how to melt stubborn belly fat and strengthen and tone your core can be tricky - especially if you're a fitness newcomer. While you can't spot-reduce fat, getting your heart rate up with cardio-infused exercises can help slim your body from head to toe and inch you closer to your goals. "High-intensity, total-body moves are how you ensure you'll be able to get into a zone that will burn fat," said NASM-certified personal trainer Kendall Wood, MS, CSCS, coauthor of Core Fitness Solution. Start with the circuit workout below.

Directions: Perform each move for 60 seconds with only a 30-second rest in between. Kendall suggests doing as many circuits as you can in each workout session. Imagine how much stronger you'll get.

An Expert Explains Why You Need to Do More Than Bodyweight Workouts to Lose Weight

If you're trying to burn fat, you may have heard that workouts like strength training and cardio can help. Because bodyweight workouts are popular, free, and convenient, we were curious if they could also help burn fat. To find out, POPSUGAR spoke to Heather Milton, MS, RCEP, CSCS, an exercise physiologist clinical specialist at NYU Langone's Sports Performance Center.

How Your Body Burns Calories

Before we go any further, we're going to quickly touch on how your body burns energy, also known as calories. "Ultimately, the way we burn calories is either breaking down carbohydrates, which would be like glycogen that's stored in our muscles or blood sugar in our bloodstream, or our liver will start to break down our carbohydrate stores in the liver," Heather told POPSUGAR. We know this sounds complicated, but stay with us.

The other way your body burns calories (or energy) is by using fat; this happens once the carbohydrate stores have been depleted. Every time you move, stand up, go for a walk, and do other activities of daily living, you're burning fat for fuel because they're low-intensity movements. Heather explained that this is because your body doesn't have to shift to needing energy as quickly as it would if you got out of your car and sprinted down the street, for example.

When you do bodyweight exercises, your body will first burn carbs because they are the quickest source of energy. Once you've finished your exercise and depleted your stores of carbohydrates, your body will replenish those stores (and provide you with energy) by utilizing fat as a source of fuel, she said.

Will Bodyweight Workouts Help You Burn Fat and Lose Weight?

You may be ready to cancel your gym membership and stick to bodyweight workouts, but according to Heather, burning fat is not that simple. Yes, technically your body will burn some fat with bodyweight workouts once your body depletes the stored carbohydrates, but it's not enough to help you lose weight because there isn't enough of a stressor on your muscles and you aren't burning enough calories.

If your goal is to lose weight and you're doing very light bodyweight exercises like air squats and Bird Dog all the time, you more than likely won't burn enough fat to lose weight. This is because your body will have adapted to doing those exercises easily. True beginners may notice a change in their muscles initially, but as you get stronger, bodyweight workouts won't be enough to continue getting stronger and to lose weight.

On the other hand, doing more intense bodyweight exercises like clapping push-ups, tuck jumps, burpees, mountain climbers, and squat jumps will challenge your body more because they're high-intensity movements. As a result, your body will be able to burn enough calories to continue with weight loss, Heather explained.

How to Burn Fat and Build Muscle

In order to burn fat and build muscle, you need progressive overload, Heather explained. Essentially, it's the gradual increase of a stressor or load (weight, for example) that's placed on your body during exercise. For example, a beginner would start with air squats and lunges to strengthen their muscles. Then they would progress to doing the same moves with a light weight and over time increase the stressor (weight) to build muscle.

Yes, bodyweight workouts will technically burn fat, but if your goal is to change your body composition and build muscle, bodyweight workouts alone won't cut it. To get started building muscle, try this four-week strength training program for beginners.

If You Want to Lose Belly Fat in 2 Months, You Need to Do These 8 Things

So you want to lose belly fat. You probably want to see results as soon as possible; you've probably even seen the articles online or magazine coverlines that promise a flat belly in days or with just one move. If these claims sound too good to be true, that's because they are.

In reality, losing belly fat takes time. Although you probably won't completely transform your physique in two months, you can see progress in just a matter of eight weeks. Eric Bowling, an NASM-certified personal trainer at Ultimate Performance who helps clients with weight loss, told POPSUGAR you can achieve "drastic and tangible improvements" in eight weeks.

If you're specifically looking to target your belly, we have some bad news: you can't spot-target fat loss. That means you can do crunches or planks all day long, but you won't specifically burn belly fat. Instead, you can lose body fat overall, including from your belly. And by avoiding certain belly-bloating foods and with some strategic exercise, you will inevitably see results in your belly.

Keep reading to see some of our best expert-backed tips for shedding fat and seeing results in just two months.

Spike Lee Gets REAL Sassy Backstage at the Oscars, Jokes About Losing to Green Book

By the time Spike Lee got backstage at the Oscars on Sunday night, he'd had quite a bit of Champagne. "This is my sixth glass, and you know why," he said with a laugh as he approached the microphone. Lee's night hadn't exactly been bad, per se: he won the best adapted screenplay Oscar for his work on BlacKkKlansman. But it was easy to tell that he really had his sights set on the best picture win, and he reportedly wasn't thrilled when Green Book took the honor instead. Strong feelings aside, and with the aforementioned Champagne, Lee seemed to be in better spirits - just a bit - when he got backstage.

One journalist asked Lee to comment on the moment and to put into words his feelings about Green Book's ultimate win. "Let me take a sip," he said before having another bit of Champagne out of the glass in his hand. Then he said, "Next question." Later on in the interview, he shed a bit more light on his feelings. "I'm snake bit," he said. "Every time somebody's driving somebody, I lose." Lee is, of course, referring to one of the biggest upsets in his career. In 1990, despite the fact that Do the Right Thing was favored by many to rake up some gold, it was Driving Miss Daisy that ultimately won out.

Lee continued to sass journalists (lightheartedly, of course) during the remainder of his interview and even confirmed that his outfit was, indeed, an homage to the late, great Prince. (As if there was any question of that one, but I digress.) Oh, well. There's always next time, right? Let's just hope Lee doesn't go against a third movie about somebody driving somebody.

The Hottest Photos From the Oscars Afterpaties, Because That's Where All the Fun Happens

Now that the Oscars have wrapped, stars are letting their hair down at the afterparties! From Vanity Fair's annual bash to Elton John's soirée, celebrities like John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Ciara, Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Miley Cyrus, and Liam Hemsworth all stepped out in Hollywood to celebrate the end of award season on Sunday. Ahead, see the most glamorous moments of the night!

This Is the Exact Moment Mark Ronson and Lady Gaga Knew "Shallow" Would Be a Hit

Lady Gaga is officially halfway to earning an EGOT, thanks to Sunday night's Oscars. The singer took home the gold for best original song during the ceremony, gaining recognition for her incredible work on "Shallow" alongside Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, and Andrew Wyatt. And that was just the tip of the iceberg for Gaga's sensational night: she also pulled off an incredible performance with Bradley Cooper and gave a truly inspirational speech when she took the stage to accept her award. The love, light, and delirious happiness continued when the group headed backstage. But perhaps the most striking moment of the press room interview was when Ronson described the moment they wrote the award-winning song in question.

Ronson told the press they'd had plenty of Jameson that day, and they were just puttering around and trying to figure out a new song. Gaga was on the piano, naturally, and she was trying out different chords, rhythms, and melodies. Ronson said a hush came over the room and Gaga sang the first line: "Tell me something, girl, are you happy in this modern world?" Ronson said, "All of my hairs stood on end . . . it felt like someone hugged my soul." It's that kind of magic, stitched into the fabric of the song, that made it powerful enough to win an Oscar.

Gaga kind of alluded to that magic earlier in the press room interview while she was sending a message to all her LGBTQ+ fans. She said true bravery is finding the courage to be yourself and that she hopes her LGBTQ+ fans are able to do so and find their own joy. "That's actually what Bradley said to me yesterday, right before we did our last rehearsal for this performance of 'Shallow,'" she continued. "He said, 'Let's just draw a little bit of joy.' And I said, 'OK.' And it turns out joy did a lot to me."

As a final note of inspiration, she elaborated a bit on something she said during her acceptance speech: that it had been a hard road, and she worked really f*cking hard to get here. (Even Jennifer Hudson was moved.) "The truth is, people see what they see on the outside . . . I was so determined to live my dreams, and yet there was so much in the way. There were so many things I did not anticipate - that broke me, that tortured me, that traumatized me - and I think sometimes . . . people think it comes easy to us." She continued: "Every single person on this stage has been through so much. We are friends, we have worked on ourselves in life, we have tried to get through the torment of this industry and being artists. And the truth is that this is very hard work, and it is not for the faint of heart. But I would not want to imply that anyone in the world is faint of heart."

So there you have it. Gaga doesn't think you're faint of heart. You have full permission to pursue your dreams.

Chris Evans Helping Regina King Up the Oscars Steps Proves Chivalry Is Not, in Fact, Dead

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to announce that chivalry is not dead, as proven by none other than the studly Chris Evans at the Oscars. The Captain America star was sitting in the front row next to Regina King and her mother when the If Beale Street Could Talk actress nabbed the Academy Award for best supporting actress, and he couldn't resist helping Regina accept her first-ever Oscar. No, literally - Chris jumped out of his seat and swooped in to usher Regina to the stage like the real-life superhero he is.

As soon as Chris put his gentlemanly ways on display at the Oscars, Twitter erupted into a full-on swoon fest, with many fans recalling how this isn't the first time he's pulled such a gallant move. Back in 2015, Chris personally escorted Betty White to the stage for her People's Choice Awards win, making for quite the adorable moment. Sorry, Chris Pratt and Chris Pine fans, this just might make him our favorite Hollywood Chris of them all.

Chris Evans Looking FINE Is All the Reason We Needed to Tune Into the Oscars

Chris Evans may not be up for any Academy Awards, but the Captain America star won all of the awards when he proved chivalry isn't dead on Oscars night. While sitting in the front row next to Regina King, who won her first-ever Academy Award for best supporting actress for If Beale Street Could Talk, he helped the actress take on the slippery stairs to the Oscars stage (and looked damn good while doing it). Embracing the velvet trend along with Billy Porter (who wore a Christian Siriano gown) and Michael B. Jordan (who walked the red carpet with a blue velvet jacket and his mother), Chris Evans couldn't have looked better. Read on to see all the photos of the hunky actor on the red carpet and the stage.

Oh, What a Night: See Over 100 of the Best Photos From This Year's Oscars!

The Academy Awards are officially a wrap, as is this year's glittery, glamorous award season. Some of Hollywood's biggest stars descended on the Dolby Theatre in LA on Sunday night for the annual event, and as you'd expect, they came dressed to impressed on the red carpet.

The big show was just as eventful: Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey hit the stage for a hilarious opening monologue, and Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper had the audience in tears with their heart-wrenching rendition of their A Star Is Born theme, "Shallow" - which, by the way, also won the award for best original song.

We were also treated to emotional acceptance speeches from the night's other winners, like Regina King, who took home her first-ever Oscar for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. There were also a handful of history-making moments, such as the wins of both Ruth E. Carter and Hannah Beachler for their work on Black Panther; they were the first black women to win awards for costume design and production design, respectively.

With such a busy evening, there were likely lots of fun moments you missed. Keep reading to see the best photos from Oscars night, then look back on the best beauty looks and the cutest couples!

Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams Give Us Jazz Fever in FX's New Series, Fosse/Verdon

Theater kids and musical fans, your time has come. FX's upcoming biographical miniseries, Fosse/Verdon, is the perfect combination of drama and razzle-dazzle that you've been waiting for. The eight-episode show will follow the love and creative partnership of choreographer-director Bob Fosse and his wife, the legendary Broadway dancer Gwen Verdon, with a particular emphasis on the perilous cost of their success. We're talking sex, drama, and - hopefully - copious musical dance breaks. FX recently dropped the trailer, and we can already tell this limited series is going to be gorgeous. Check out the trailer above and keep reading for everything you need to know about Fosse/Verdon before it premieres on April 9.

Lady Gaga Came to the Rescue When Rami Malek's Bow Tie Needed Some Serious Straightening

Lady Gaga and Rami Malek may have only first met at the Golden Globes last month, but the two are already shaping up to be close pals. Case in point: Gaga took it upon herself to help Rami fix his crooked bow tie in the middle of the Oscars. Aww! When the A Star Is Born actress crossed paths with the Bohemian Rhapsody star inside Dolby Theatre, she straightened up his rogue tuxedo tie and subsequently gave him a supportive thumbs up as if to say, "Let's take home those Oscars, bud!" As a refresher, Gaga and Rami were nominated for best actress and actor, respectively, and Rami nabbed the golden trophy for his role in Bohemian Rhapsody. Keep reading to see their sweet interaction unfold.

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet Are at the Oscars For the First Time, and Damn, They Look Good

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet turned the Oscars red carpet into their own personal photo-shoot, and I'm loving every second. The beloved couple enjoyed their first time at the awards show on Feb. 24, where Jason will be presenting. They both looked perfect in pink, as they color-coordinated outfits - down to Jason's scrunchie!

Jason and Lisa met back in 2005, and have been making fans swoon ever since. They are parents to an 11-year-old daughter Lola Iolani and a 10-year-old son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha, who made several public appearances as Jason promoted Aquaman. I'm a little bummed Jason didn't break into a full Haka on this red carpet, but hey, there's always next year!

What Oscars? Diana Ross and Her Family Skip the Show but Celebrate at an Afterparty

The Oscars may be over, but the party is just getting started! On Sunday, Diana Ross and her beautiful family stepped out together at Elton John's Oscars viewing party and Vanity Fair's annual afterparty. The 74-year-old icon was joined by 46-year-old daughter Tracee and 30-year-old son Evan, who brought his 34-year-old wife, Ashlee Simpson. The brood were dressed to the nines and appeared to have the best time as they exchanged hugs and kisses on the red carpet. Between this and their last appearance at the Grammys, it's clear the Ross family is as tight as can be.

Yes, Lady Gaga's Oscars Necklace Is ACTUALLY From Breakfast at Tiffany's

This was not a "blink and you'll miss it" moment. No, Lady Gaga went big with her Oscars look, wearing the 128.54-carat, cushion-cut "Tiffany Diamond" necklace as the scene-stealing complement to her black Alexander McQueen gown. The necklace, which features one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world, has only been worn three times since its discovery in 1877 - most notably worn by Audrey Hepburn in promotional photos for Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961.

Apart from the jaw-dropping, 128.54-carat Fancy Yellow diamond sitting front and center, the necklace is set in platinum with 16 cushion-cut diamonds and 46 round brilliant diamonds. It's safe to say that the singer and actress, who is nominated for best actress and best original song for A Star Is Born, chose a statement piece worthy of the evening and for her performance of "Shallow" with Bradley Cooper.

Reed Krakoff, Tiffany & Co. chief artistic officer, agreed - sharing that he was "thrilled that she will be wearing the legendary Tiffany Diamond on the awards show red carpet for the first time since it was discovered 141 years ago." For a closer look, keep clicking for all angles of Lady Gaga's Tiffany Diamond moment.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Are on Another Level of Attractive at This Oscars Afterparty

If anyone figures out what the world did to deserve Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, please let me know, because I'm at a loss. On Sunday night, the couple hit up Vanity Fair's annual Oscars afterparty in Beverly Hills, CA, and looked gorgeous together (as usual). The 26-year-old singer and 29-year-old actor got close on the red carpet while smiling and even made a few funny faces for cameras to capture. Liam stuck with a classic tuxedo, and Miley rocked a low-cut black dress with silver accessories. Their appearance came just a day after they attended an Oscars preparty, where they beamed and embraced each other.

The newlyweds tied the knot in December and have made multiple adorable public outings together since then. Their first official debut as husband and wife was at the G'Day USA Gala in January, and the following month, Miley supported Liam at the premiere of his new movie, Isn't It Romantic. And if there's anything we know from their superflirty interactions on social media, it's that they're totally in love. Read on to see pictures of their glamorous night at the Oscars afterparty!

Related: These Cute Photos of Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Will Slap a Smile on Your Face