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.
vendredi 12 avril 2019
Like a Shot of Sunshine, This $4 Mask Brightened Up My Complexion in Just 10 Minutes
The Dearpacker Black Ginseng Gold Hydrogel Mask ($4) is the full package: it gave me an unmatched sensory experience and a complexion boost that lasted until the next day.
I say that even though my first few minutes with it were a little messy. After ripping open the pouch, I made the mistake of not being careful when pulling the two-piece mask out, as all of its excess serum dripped from its pouch onto my lap (don't worry, it was an easy cleanup). I placed both jiggling parts onto my face, making sure to press it against the contours of my features. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it adhered to my skin, and I was able to walk around the room with it on.
In the 10 minutes I had it on, I felt incomparably relaxed. The cooling effect that comes with its hydrogel texture felt soothing, as the dry areas of skin on top of my cheeks felt less irritated. I also had peace of mind knowing it wouldn't slip off and make a mess. When I peeled it off, my skin was moist with leftover serum, which I proceeded to pat into my skin. In 20 minutes, my face was visibly brighter and more moisturized - so much so, that the effect lasted until the next morning. See the mask, ahead.
All the Celebrities Who Have Gone Blond This Year
Jada Pinkett Smith, Channing Tatum, Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus, and Brie Larson. What do they all have in common? If you thought "they're all extremely good-looking," you're not wrong. But I'm referring to the fact that they all recently made a major hair change - they went to the blond side. (Or, for people like Cyrus and Larson, the blonder side.)
I regret to inform you that I am not calling this a "trend" because trends come and go, and deciding to color your hair blond isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But when a gaggle of celebrities make a hair change, chances are, more people will follow suit. Celebrity colorist and dpHUE cofounder Justin Anderson, whose clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Margot Robbie, Chelsea Handler, Cyrus, and Larson, offers a few of his tips to keep your blond looking fresh, should you decide to take the plunge yourself.
The first step if you're going from brunette to blond, or even a dark blond to platinum, is to prepare your hair with a strengthening mask like Olaplex No. 3. "I actually suggest to put it in damp hair before bed with a shower cap on to get the greatest results," Anderson said. He also recommends not washing your hair everyday. Utilize dry shampoo in between washes, and if you do need to wash daily, use something like the dpHue ACV Hair Rinse ($35). It helps get rid of buildup on the scalp and hair cuticle without stripping your hair color.
For his clients, he suggests giving the hair a "break" from color every few months to help keep the hair's integrity, like he did with Cyrus. "(Miley) gave her hair a major break. We didn't do a full color for months to help bring back the integrity of the hair. The advice I gave her when she left my chair was to do weekly Olaplex treatments, add the dpHUE Color Fresh Oil Therapy ($35) daily, and try to avoid constant heat styling," he said.
And he supports the idea of men going blond, even platinum, but he suggests thinking about the change realistically. "Touch it up one or two times, and then just let it grow out," Anderson told us. "It's the type of hair color that's not sustainable for men, but it can be an amazing change of pace for the average guy."
Keep reading to see the recent celebrity blond hair changes - you might just find your next hair color.
This Face Mask Was a Home Run For My Skin After a Week Filled With Hot Dogs and Beer
As a baseball fan, I was psyched to get a pass that allowed me standing-room access to all Mets home games - unfortunately, my complexion hasn't been enjoying this season as much as I have. After one sunburned day game and two overly windy evening games (at all of which I ate a hot dog and drank Bud Light), my skin was practically begging for some TLC.
That's where the Tula Skincare Major Glow Mask ($35) stepped up to the plate. The gel mask contains probiotics to help calm inflammation and papaya and citrus to smooth and brighten the skin. After sitting out in the cold for two nights in a row, my skin looked dull and lifeless (despite the extensive team of illuminating products I had packed on my face) and could really use some calming and brightening ingredients.
I could hardly wait to rip open the mask's packaging and immediately placed the top and bottom portion of the gel mask on my face. I loved how refreshing the cooling gel felt on my face and immediately started to feel better. While I was surprised that the mask's eye and mouth holes weren't completely cut out (I had to bend them downward so I could see and breathe), I quickly forgot about it once the relaxation started to kick in.
After the recommended five to 10 minutes of wear, I tossed the mask and looked in the mirror. While a single use wouldn't instantly transform my skin, the result was a huge improvement. The high-sodium-hot-dog-induced puffiness had gone down, and my skin was significantly dewier than before. I'm looking forward to continuing to use the mask the suggested twice a week, because it's a total home run.
Still Figuring Out How to Do a Cat Eye? L'Oreal Just Made Your New Favorite Liner
Winged eyeliner can be seriously intimidating – if you're not careful while you apply it, it's easy to get the liquid liner all over your face. I've been wearing cat eyes on a near daily basis since high school but I remember practicing for many hours before daring to wear it in public. Thankfully L'oreal has created a product that would've come in handy while I was learning how to perfect my wing: The L'oreal Infallible Flash Cat Eye ($10, available May 15).
This handy pen-tip liner makes applying liner a breeze for even the least experienced makeup wearer. The cap of the liner includes a removable tool that slides out and has a small triangle indentation that you can use as a stencil for your wing.
While it took me a few tries to get used to the new way of applying my liner, the results were hard to argue with. By using the tool, I was able to get a dramatic, sharp wing that I'd never be able to do free-hand. I can only imagine how exciting the results would be for someone who's never been able to achieve this look before.
Check out my liner below, as well as some photos of this innovative launch.
This Woman Made a Parody About '90s Beauty Gurus, and WOW, the Accuracy
As many of you have sifted through the endless amount of makeup tutorials that are currently resting at your fingertips on the internet, it's possible that you've tried to remember at least once or twice what life was like before you had the luxury of learning how to contour and sculpt your face via 20-minute-long YouTube videos. You may have also wondered what kinds of tips and tricks beauty influencers would have trickled down to you had they been around in the '90s. Luckily for all the inquiring minds out there, a YouTube user named Jaime French just gave the world a hilarious idea of what that might look like.
On April 10, French took to her YouTube channel to share a makeup tutorial inspired by a Twitter user's comments on what beauty gurus most definitely would've taught us if they existed a few decades ago. The video shows French creating a '90s-inspired look complete with the metallic blue eye shadow that we've all collectively spent over a decade cringing at, pencil thin eyebrows, and even zigzag parts. The whole thing is about as funny and nostalgic as you would probably imagine. Watch the video above and try not to cry laughing.
I Flew Twice in 48 Hours, and This Mask Saved My Irritated Skin
I recently went on a two-day business trip to another city and was told I'd be flying twice in 48 hours. That meant my skin would be exposed to quite a bit of icky airplane air. In an effort to combat the effects of the flights on my complexion (which usually are breakouts and uneven texture), I brought along the new Lano Face Base The Aussie Flyer Leave-On Recovery Mask ($24).
Made with all-natural lanolin, the mask promised to seal moisture into my skin and soothe my stressed-out complexion. The combination of coffee, mint, and ginger in the formula sounded exactly like what my face needed to perk up and keep from becoming irritated.
As soon as the plane took off, I unscrewed the cap from the pretty white-and-purple tube and proceeded to slather my face in the fragrance-free cream. Since the mask doesn't need to be rinsed off, I let it soak into my face throughout the flight.
Considering how many Instagram-worthy moments were available on my trip, I'm eternally grateful that this mask did its job. My skin wasn't the least bit dehydrated when I got to my destination, and I didn't experience any after-travel complexion issues. See how good my skin looked ahead.
The 1 Beauty Trend Meghan Markle Does That Nobody Has Noticed
It's no secret that the royal family doesn't often reveal dramatic hair and makeup transformations, preferring to make small adjustments and trying different trends in a very understated way. Princess Diana had a very sneaky way of cutting her hair so that the public wouldn't even notice: her hairstylist Richard Dalton once said, "We had to do it one-fourth of an inch at a time over several weeks." It seems that old traditions still ring true for the young royals when it comes to beauty. Although Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton definitely try new hairstyles, there's one thing the young royals don't experiment too much with: makeup.
We recently noticed that Markle has been using the age-old trick of using lip liner to create a naturally fuller looking lip, and now she's experimenting with eyeliner, too. Though Meghan's no stranger to a black liner, during the duke and duchess's tour of Morocco, she took the eyeliner right into her waterline on the upper and lower lids, most probably taking inspiration from the Moroccan tradition of wearing kohl. It's a look we haven't really seen before on the duchess during her royal duties but definitely one we're going to take inspiration from.
That's not all: Markle also experimented with very subtle pops of color during the tour. Rather than just wearing a black smoky eye, she used slight blue hues, a trend we associate with and love from Princess Diana. She also opted for a slight shimmer on the inner corners of her eyes to add a little sparkle to a daytime look. Keep reading to see photos of the Duchess of Sussex experimenting with her eye makeup during the royal tour. We can't wait to see what she tries next.
Every Product Kim Kardashian Is Wearing on Vogue's Cover, Including One She'll Never Try Again
It's obvious that Kim Kardashian works hard – she's a mom of three (soon to be four), a reality star, and the owner of a beauty brand - but thanks to the cover of May's issue of Vogue, we now know her makeup artist must share her work ethic. In the photo, Kardashian can be seen posing while water falls on her head from above. Although her hair is soaking wet - her makeup does not budge.
The makeup, which was done by Hannah Murray, included a selection of products from Kardashian's line, KKW Beauty in her go-to brown, bronze, and peach tones. An interesting note is that Murray used a highlighting stick deeper than Kardashian's skin tone on the cover, perhaps as an eye shadow pencil.
In addition to the cover, the star was featured in the latest edition of the magazine's "73 Question With Vogue," where she revealed some of her current beauty preferences. The one product she can't live without? Her contouring products from KKW Beauty. She also mentioned that right now she's loving minimal, soft and dewy makeup, and that she wished she had never tried the "really white" under-eye baking trend that she and Mario Dedivanovic popularized.
Ahead, you can check out each product she's wearing on the cover.
15 Gorgeous Short Hairstyle Ideas For Black Women
If you think having short hair is limiting when it comes to styling it, we're here to prove you wrong.
Whether you've always preferred your hair short and are just looking for ways to switch things up or you just recently got a major haircut and have no idea what to do with it (we get it - blunt bobs are having a moment right now, but how do we style them?), believe us when we say that having curls and waves that are shorter than shoulder-length holds many opportunities.
We've done the research. While scouring the internet for the prettiest short hairstyles, we couldn't help but stop and stare at the ones on our favorite celebrities. Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved-on-the-sides Mohawk in its new shade of blond had us speechless. Tinashe's shoulder-length layers with straight bangs and Danai Gurira's picked-out Afro - courtesy of her hairstylist, Vernon Francois - have both made their way into the save folders of our Instagram accounts. Hannah Bronfman's gilded braids by her go-to stylist Nikki Nelms is the perfect look for festival season whether you decide to add the flecks of gold or not.
We've also come across face-framing braids, natural hairstyles that allow your texture to shine, and prettiest pixies (both curly and straightened). Some styles look as though they take just a few moments to do, while others require a little more moxie (and the help of your favorite curl cocktail), but it's safe to say that if you're looking for a new way to style your hair, you have options.
With the many looks out there, we can't help but be inspired. Ahead, see our picks for the prettiest hairstyles for short hair this season.
Anderson Cooper Transforming Into a Game of Thrones White Walker Is Pretty Mesmerizing
Ever wonder what it takes to transform into a White Walker from Game of Thrones? Let Anderson Cooper show you.
On this Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes, Cooper is going to reveal what it takes to transform into a White Walker by showing the process on himself. He posted a video on Instagram of him in full costume makeup - complete with prosthetics - and gave a look into what it takes to turn into a minion of the Night King on his Instagram Story. Filing the upcoming episode under stuff-you-absolutely-need-to-see is 100 percent appropriate.
See the transformation ahead.
Alessandra Ambrosio Has a Genius Tip For Applying Bronzer, and Yeah, We're Copying It
We've seen Alessandra Ambrosio walk countless runways over the years, but seeing her walk through her makeup routine is an entirely new experience. The 38-year-old Brazilian supermodel recently went through her beauty regimen with Vogue, and it most definitely has us mesmerized. "Brazilian beauty to me means natural glowing," she shared as she started with a refrigerated jade roller over a sheet mask. While Ambrosio did admit she doesn't love wearing foundation, she opted for a tinted look with Beautycounter's Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage ($38, originally $45).
As a fan of creamy products, she loves Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel ($50) for a bronzer, and the greatest tip we got from Ambrosio's application of the product is that she enunciates "bonjour" to target the cheekbones when applying the product. Genius! The beach babe rouges her cheeks with the Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick ($45) for a pink glow. Check out the 13-minute video above, and try Ambrosio's gorgeous dewy makeup routine for yourself.
Kiss Cold Weather Goodbye With the 9 Prettiest Lipsticks For Spring
We welcome Spring's newest lipsticks with opens arms just as we do the warmth and sunshine of the season.
In the next few months, you can expect to see many highly opaque pinks and berries, flesh-toned matte lipsticks that wear comfortably all day, and updated versions of classic shades. You can also anticipate your favorite brands' most emollient formulas - ones that leave lips feeling so hydrated, you'll forget how chapped they were this past Winter.
Ahead, see our favorite new lipsticks of the season.
Hop Into the Easter Holiday in Style With These 100+ Festive Nail Art Ideas
With pastels, florals, and cheery designs, the manicure options are endless when it comes to a Spring-inspired look. Thanks to the Easter holiday, your usual manicure can now flaunt festive and cheeky touches like intricate egg patterns, bright little chicks, and cute bunnies.
So put the egg decorating aside and try these holiday-inspired ideas on your nails instead. You'll be egg-cellently stylish at Easter brunch.
Have Sensitive Skin? Nix the Fragrance With These 15 Gentle Moisturizers
There are few things less annoying than putting something on your face that's suppose to benefit your skin, just to have your complexion become red and irritated. If your sensitive skin has been freaking out lately (or always), it might be time to consider removing fragrance from your skincare routine.
Fortunately, there are many moisturizers available that are still made with hydrating ingredients but are designed to be gentle enough for even the most delicate and easy-to-upset skin.
Ahead you'll find the best options for your delicate complexion so you can hydrate without worry of breakouts, hives, redness, or another uncomfortable side effect.
3 Haircut Trends That Are Going to Be Heating Up This Summer
Piña coladas, pool floats, lots of socially acceptable opportunities to call ghosting someone after three months a "fling" - Summer is all but the definition of low key, as are the haircut trends that tend to emerge each season. This year, the assemblage of up-and-coming styles is no exception, and they are the kind of chops that look good even if you do like getting caught in the rain.
"The general vibe with haircuts this Summer will be low maintenance and effortless," said Tauni Dawson, hairstylist at Nine Zero One salon in Los Angeles. "Clients want to get out of town and enjoy their vacations - not feel the need to come in for trims."
Looking for something a little more specific? We've asked the pros to identify three of the coolest haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere in the warmer months ahead, because everyone deserves something hot to look forward to . . . that doesn't require cooling down with an umbrella drink.
Strengthen Your Muscles With This Full-Body Workout - Plus, It'll Save You Time at the Gym
In my opinion, taking time for yourself to work out is one of the best forms of self-care. Instead of letting stress creep up as you scan the gym to figure out which machines are free and if you can snag a squat rack, I recommend coming in with a plan. Whether you're following a four-week workout plan or showing up already knowing what you're going to do for the day, preparation makes your workouts a lot smoother.
If you have no idea what to do at the gym, and aren't sure if doing 10 squat variations in one day is OK (hint: don't do it), I've got you covered. Instead of doing every squat known to man, try this eight-move full-body workout. You'll be working your shoulders, biceps, back, glutes, quads, and abs, and it shouldn't take more than 45 minutes to do.
The 45-Minute Full-Body Gym Workout
Equipment needed: two sets of dumbbells; one set should be medium/heavy and the second set should be light. This guide will help you choose the right weight. You'll also need a stability ball. Once you've gathered your equipment, it's time to get started.
To help you save time, this workout should be performed in supersets, meaning you should take little to no rest in between each exercise. For example, you'll do a set of the overhead squat press and immediately transition to bicep curls. Then, you'll go back to the squats until you've completed the listed sets.
- Superset 1, exercise 1: overhead squat press: four sets of 12 reps
- Superset 1, exercise 2: bicep curl: four sets of 12 reps (each arm)
- Superset 2, exercise 1: single-leg bridge: four sets of 12 reps (each leg)
- Superset 2, exercise 2: single-arm row: four sets of 12 reps
- Superset 3, exercise 1: step up: four sets of 10 reps (each leg)
- Superset 3, exercise 2: lateral raise: four sets of 10 reps
- Stir the pot: two sets of 10 reps each direction
- Bird dog: two sets of 10 reps
I'm a Trainer, and This Strength Workout Will Boost Your Metabolism, Burn Fat, and Build Muscle
Nope, this isn't clickbait, just in case you were wondering. We know there are a lot of myths about boosting your metabolism: eating spicy foods and drinking water first thing in the morning are a few. It is possible to speed up your metabolism naturally, and it's actually rather easy to do. According to experts, you can and should begin to eat more high-protein foods and healthy fats because your body has to expend more energy (which means a greater caloric burn) to process them.
Another easy way to boost your metabolism is to begin lifting weights. Strength training will allow you to burn more calories and build more muscle. If you're wondering why you should do more strength training instead of Pilates (not that Pilates is bad), it's because you build muscle when you lift weights, and muscle is metabolically active. The more muscle mass you have, the more energy your body produces, which will increase your metabolic rate, which is your body's ability to burn calories.
Now that you've got the rundown on the importance of your metabolism, it's time to get ready to work. The goal of this workout is to help you build muscle. You don't need to repeat it every day, but it's a good starting point to help you increase your metabolism. If you're looking for more workouts to follow, try this four-week beginner weightlifting plan.
The Metabolism-Boosting Workout
The first step to any workout is a quality warmup. Here's a quick warmup you can do. Once your muscles are warm, it's time to get to work. You'll need at least one set of dumbbells. Since everyone has different strength levels, select a weight that you can lift with proper form for all the reps. If you don't feel challenged after a couple of reps, increase the weight. I usually have a medium set of dumbbells for upper body (10-20 pounds is a good starting point) and a heavier pair for lower-body exercises (15-30 pounds).
For each exercise, complete the listed sets and reps before moving on to the following exercise. Ideally, you should take no more than 30 seconds of rest in between each set and about 60-90 seconds of rest in between each exercise. If you need more rest, feel free to take it. Don't forget to cool down and stretch after your workout.
- Dumbbell bench press: four sets of 12 reps
- Bent-over row: four sets of 12 reps
- Barbell squat: four sets of 12 reps
- Dumbbell walking lunge: two sets of 10 reps
- Dumbbell thruster: three sets of 12 reps
- Romanian deadlift: four sets of 12 reps
Can Bedtime Snacking Really Make You Gain Weight? Here's What an RD Had to Say
It's getting close to bedtime, and you're winding down from a long day: a book, some Netflix, a glass of wine and . . . maybe a nibble or two. It's so satisfying to have a snack right before bed, whether it's a handful of chips, some leftovers, or a couple (or a couple dozen) squares of chocolate. But conventional wisdom says that eating before bed can wreck your weight loss goals like nothing else; it's part of the reason why many people find intermittent fasting so helpful.
Still, is there any truth to this long-held belief? POPSUGAR talked to registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick of the Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute to get some answers.
Nighttime Snacks Can Lead to Weight Gain
Kristin confirmed that eating before bed can, in fact, cause you to gain weight. It comes down to two different factors. For one thing, she explained, "You really have no need to fuel at that time." If you've already eaten a satisfying dinner, you should have enough energy to get you through your last chores of the day and into bed without any extra calories. Eating when your body doesn't actually need or want the food - fueling past the point of fullness - turns into overeating, which can definitely cause you to gain weight.
Eating before bed can also cause weight gain because of the headspace you're in at the time, and the kinds of foods you'll likely be drawn toward. Those typically come down to cravings, emotional eating (foods that will make you feel good, especially when you're stressed or tired), or just bad routine. The choices are usually unhealthy (sweets or empty, processed carbs) and can lead you to overfuel. All of this leaves your body, at the very end of the day, "with more calories than it needs or wants," Kristin told POPSUGAR. When you head to sleep, those calories can get stored as fat.
How Late Should You Be Eating?
Stopping your daily food intake four hours before bed is Kristin's "gold standard," she said, but even a two-hour cushion is good. "At least that gives you a little more time to burn off the energy," she said.
Those few hours also help out your digestion and sleep schedule, because foods that are harder to digest, like fried or spicy foods, can disrupt your sleep. Inadequate sleep can cause weight gain in its own right, making the effects of excess calories and late-night overeating even worse.
What Foods Are OK to Eat Before Bed?
If you absolutely need to eat before bed, Kristin recommended snacks that are low in calories and carbs. They'll help you avoid surplus calories as well as the excess insulin from carbs that can affect your blood sugar. Some good options include:
- Celery with peanut butter
- String cheese
- A handful of nuts
- A small bowl of berries
- A small bowl of plain popcorn
Before you reach for the snack cabinet, though, Kristin advised taking 10 minutes to do something else. It can be anything, as long as it's distracting: folding your laundry, prepping your lunch for tomorrow, taking a shower. Then, see if you're still hungry. "Chances are, you were just bored," she said.
I Traded My CrossFit Workout For Barre Class, and This Is What Totally Shocked Me
While I was visiting my best friend in New York City, she treated me to her favorite barre class. I teach yoga, do CrossFit, and love working out and getting stronger. But I actually had never done barre in my life, so I slipped on the grippy socks and was excited to have at it!
First Impressions
In the small carpeted room, three walls had ballet bars attached, and there were mirrors on two of the walls. The very friendly instructor introduced herself, and said, "You've done barre before, right?" My friend answered yes for me, then whispered to me that this was not a beginner class, but that I'd be fine. That was my first indication that I, in fact, was not going to be fine.
Everyone in the room was younger than me, wearing adorable matching sports bras with leggings - I felt like I was in a barre commercial! And they all clearly had done barre before because they all seemed to know exactly what to do when the instructor called out exercises and equipment. It was inspirational to see them all moving so gracefully with soft smiles on their faces. And then there was me. I felt like I was struggling the entire hour-long class!
What Was the Workout Like?
The very first thing we were told to do was grab a set of dumbbells. All right! Starting off with something I was familiar with! I was surprised to see that the dumbbells only went up to six pounds. I thought, hmmm, I better grab some five-pounders, because from my two-class SoulCycle experiences, I had a notion there was going to be a lot of reps in my future. We faced the mirror for a series of fast-paced arm exercises. It was weird to see myself - there are no mirrors in CrossFit! But truthfully, I felt pretty pumped seeing my muscles working, and I had no trouble doing the thousands of bicep curls in the arm series (thank you, CrossFit!). Boom! I'm a barre master!
Then we moved over to the barre. There we put a large, squishy ball between our knees. The instructor had us bring our heels together, then raise them off the floor, then do a million small squats. Holy hell! I thought my legs were strong from weighted squats, deadlifts, and sled drags, but man - I could not keep up! I had to take breaks every couple of reps while everyone else was still going strong! I cursed that frickin' ball.
After putting the ball away, we then did some squats and awkward (for me, at least) leg lifts/kicks while holding onto the bar. I had to look around the entire time since I couldn't get the thought, "What the heck am I supposed to be doing?" out if my head. As a visual person, I needed someone to follow. The instructor could tell, and she sweetly kept coming over to me, moving my limbs where they needed to go like a puppeteer, saying, "Sugar, you're doing great!"
We then grabbed mats and moved on to the floor. "Sweet relief," I thought, but I was sorely wrong (ha, pun intended!). On all fours, we did a bunch of isolated booty lifts, followed by plank holds, and then core work. After two minutes of stretching, the instructor said, "Have a great day, barre-tenders!" ushering us out and welcoming the next group in. Phew!
How Did Barre Compare to CrossFit?
It was quite the whirlwind experience! I mean, I wasn't bored at all, so that was a bonus! But the floor work was probably the hardest part for me, emotionally and physically. This is the moment I saw the instructor demonstrate some move - we were on all fours and she lifted her leg back to do some lifts and I saw it, and my first thought was - holy magnificent marshmallow! She had this perfectly round, plump, firm, marshmallow pom-pom of a glute. I mean this in the most loving way possible.
I just couldn't believe my eyes, but it made me realize that CrossFit and barre were like polar opposites. CrossFit is all about building strength through functional movements - picking up barbells translates to an easier time picking up your kids or carrying groceries. Box jumps make climbing stairs (or mountains) easier. Suffering through burpees not only makes you appreciate life, but they build speed and agility in case you had to get up and run away from an attacker or a bear (hey, it could happen!).
Now barre? To me, it seemed like all the exercises we did were purely for aesthetic purposes. I mean when I was leaning on the barre lifting my extended leg up behind me, bending my knee so I could target a section of my glutes, which I had no idea I was engaging until the next day when I felt it aching on the airplane ride home, I knew that barre must be the reason butts are called peaches. I felt like barre was all about making you look good, while not necessarily feel good, which is what CrossFit does for me. The class didn't make me feel confident and strong the way CrossFit does; it made me feel the opposite.
I definitely felt worked by the end of barre, but it wasn't as intense or competitive as CrossFit - two things I love about that workout. There's an element of always trying to lift more, move faster, or improve in some way, and that's what drives me to go back again and again. CrossFit is exciting and even though the workouts push me to the point of feeling like I may puke or cry (or both), that's what sets CrossFit apart from anything else. I just didn't feel that same exhilaration and joy after barre.
Will I Go Back?
After the class I looked at my friend and thought, "I don't know if she loves me or hates me!" I've been doing CrossFit for almost three years and I'm no weakling! But that barre class completely humbled me. I felt uncomfortable not knowing if I was doing the exercises correctly, and my muscles were shaking - I couldn't believe a barre class could be that hard!
As a yoga instructor and an avid CrossFitter, I actually enjoyed being put in the position where I was a newbie. It made me appreciate how far I've come in my fitness journey and how good it is to try new things. Sweating it out, balancing on the balls of my feet, feeling my inner thighs incinerating in barre made me realize just how much I love CrossFit, and that realization made the experience worth it. I don't see myself seeking out a barre class on my own, but if a friend invites me to go, I definitely won't pass up the opportunity to feel humbled again at the barre.
60+ Seafood Recipes to Get You Through the Lenten Season and Beyond
Many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent and get creative with fish dishes instead. Whether you celebrate the Lenten season or not, keep things interesting with a delicious seafood spread. From Asian salmon kebabs to the easiest baked lemon salmon to crispy coconut shrimp, these recipes will provide plenty of inspiration.
- Additional reporting by Laura Marie Meyers and Lauren Harano
Let's Go Flower Chasing - Top 10 Destinations to See Spring Flowers Around the World
While many people go "leaf peeping" in the Fall, now is the time to plan your trip to view the world's most gorgeous flowers in the springtime. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by appreciating the blooming gardens around the globe. Some of the world's biggest and best Spring flower fields range from top international destinations to small towns in the United States. From flower festivals to travel-worthy gardens, we've rounded up the 10 best destinations to visit this Spring to see gorgeous flowers.
Epcot's Vanilla Blueberry Cronuts Look Like a Treat Straight Out of Alice's Mad Tea Party
In celebration of the Spring weather, Epcot is hosting its annual International Flower and Garden Festival and, of course, it's all about the food. While the festival has welcomed a variety of food booths that share absolutely mouthwatering treats, the Taste Track food cart might have just won us over with this must-have Violet Vanilla Blueberry Croissant Doughnut (better known as a cronut). Look at that blueberry icing!
Complete with candied violets and real blueberries on top, this delectable dessert is also stuffed to the brim with lemon pastry cream, so it's no surprise that it's gotten rave reviews from those lucky enough to try it. "Nothing like a Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut to make a trip to Disney even more magical," said Instagram user Chasing Doughnuts. "Two weeks later and I'm still thinking about this violet blueberry vanilla cronut I had at Flower and Garden 😍," Instagram user melthemermmm added. So messy, but so worth it.
Available for $6.50 at the Taste Track food cart, the flaky croissant-doughnut combo is definitely a next-level Disney dessert. Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival runs through June 3, so stop by to taste a blueberry vanilla cronut of your own, and see photos of the amazing dessert ahead.
Breakfast-Lovers, Rejoice! Maple Creme Oreos Are Finally a Thing - or So We Hope!
When I think maple, my mind goes straight to syrup and breakfast food, specifically pancakes and waffles. According to Delish, Oreo has embraced its own love for breakfast by reportedly creating a Maple Creme Oreo. So this means we can eat cookies for breakfast now, right?
Instagram user Junk Banter was lucky enough to come across a package of these sweets, which will be made with golden cookies and maple-flavored creme filling. Yum!
While Junk Banter said we should expect the cookies later this year, possibly in late Summer or early Fall, we know we have a lot of questions in the meantime. Will the maple-flavored Oreos be purely sweet or will they have a slight buttery taste to create a flavor combination reminiscent of pancakes? Will I eat one cookie or all three rows before I've decided I've had enough? And will a maple-bacon Oreo be next? Hopefully these delicious-looking cookies will be released soon so we can find out!
100+ Affordable Gifts For Young Women - Give Her What She Wants For Under $50
It can be hard to figure out what to give people in their 20s as a birthday present, graduation or housewarming gift, or just a simple "thanks for being my friend" treat. They are still trying to figure stuff out, and it can be hard to pin down exactly what a young woman would really want. With so many major changes happening in their lives, what kind of gift would be suitable for millennial women? Keep reading to find out.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Lauren Harano
20+ Thoughtful Gifts For Women in Their 40s - All $40 or Less
What do you give a woman who has life figured out (for the most part)? The woman in her 40s would appreciate something elegant, practical, meaningful, or - better yet - a combination of all three. So not to worry, because we did the hard work and found a handful of picks, and they're all under $40. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
You Can Win a Sleepover at the Freakin' Louvre Museum, and I'm Wholeheartedly Shook
If you grew up obsessed with the Night at the Museum movie series, you're going to flip out over the latest news from Airbnb. The company just launched a contest that allows two lucky people to stay overnight in the Louvre Museum to see if the sculptures really do come to life once the sun goes down. Yes, the Louvre, as in that superfamous monument in Paris that houses some of the world's most renowned works of art, including the "Mona Lisa." This may sound too good to possibly be true, but it's very real and most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if I've ever seen one.
Airbnb's Night@ franchise is hosting the contest in honor of the Louvre Pyramid's 30th anniversary, granting one winner and their guest up-close-and-personal access to the Paris museum's masterpieces - without all the usual selfie-stick-toting tourists around. On April 30, the two art-lovers will first be greeted by an art historian who will guide them on a personal tour of the grounds (which is something that only the likes of Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and JAY-Z have done, BTW). Following the tour, the pair will then enjoy a drink while sitting in front of Leonardo da Vinci's one and only "Mona Lisa" painting (cheers, Mona!), and chow down on dinner in the presence of the "Venus de Milo" statue. To cap the night off, the contest winners will lounge and sleep under the museum's Instagram-famous glass pyramid in a mini lookalike version.
I'm sure at this point your eyes are wide in disbelief and you're wondering, "OK, how the heck do I enter this contest?!" All you have to do is visit airbnb.com/louvre before April 12 and answer the following question: why would you be the Mona Lisa's perfect guest? Easy enough, right? Before brainstorming your answer, check out a sneak peek of what the experience will look like below, and you'll definitely feel inspired to come up with the most creative answer possible.
Grab Your Friends, Grab Your Inflatable Cornhole Set, Have a Blast!
If you grew up in Ohio like me, you called it cornhole, but even if you know the Summer staple game as bean bag toss or soft horseshoes, we can all agree it's fun. The classic outdoor game, where you toss a cloth bag filled with corn at a target to try to get it in the hole and knock your opponents' bags off the playing field, has ever only had one problem: The wooden scoring platforms required for the game are heavy and a pain to bring to a friend's house for a BBQ or pool party. That's not an issue anymore.
Urban Outfitters is selling a lime green Inflatable Glitter Bean Bag Toss Game ($39) that's not only giving us glitter inflatable chair vibes (those every '90s child owned), but also making our lives easier this season by making it easy to take the game with us anywhere, even into a pool. It's available for pre-order online now and at select Urban Outfitters stores, so click through, check it out and toss it in your bag.
20 Fabulous Desserts Starring Spring's Cutest Candy (Peeps)
Let's face it: it's easy to get carried away and snap up package after package of adorable marshmallow Peeps. The good news? People love to make creative things with them as much as they enjoy eating them. We've searched the web for the cutest ways to play with Peeps and rounded them up here. From a Peeps milkshake to Peeps s'mores, keep reading to see the most interesting ways to use up this Easter sweet.
- Additional reporting by Camilla Salem and Sabrina Park
This Pastel Lemon Cheesecake Will Add Sunshine to Your Disney Day (and Instagram Feed)
Hei! (That's "hi" in Norwegian.) We're just dropping by to report that a bright new dessert has come to Epcot's Norway. Available for a limited time at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, the specialty treat consists of layers of lemony cheesecake in various pastel colors above a buttery graham cracker crust and is topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and four chocolate eggs. It's basically springtime personified. And if you're wondering if the $6 cheesecake is pretty sweet, the Disney Food Blog delivered a resounding, "YES. But worth it." Need we say more? Enjoy photos ahead.
Drop 1 of These Flavored Sugar Cubes in a Glass of Champagne, and You've Got a Mimosa
It's not exactly hard to make a mimosa, but these cool sugar cubes make it even easier. A company called Teaspressa makes flavored sugar cubes that instantly turn a glass of Champagne into a mimosa, so you don't have to worry about buying different kinds of juice. The pretty sugar cubes, as first pointed out by Delish, are available to shop online and come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, raspberry, and peach. It's also worth noting that Teaspressa makes a whole bunch of cubes to flavor tea, coffee, and even cocktails - just drop one into your drink!
You can find the mimosa sugar cubes on Uncommon Goods or directly on the brand's website, and if you have plans to host a brunch or a bridal shower, this just might be the perfect touch. Since they come in such cute packaging, they make for a great gift option, too. Shop the unique bar accessory ahead!
The 10 Coolest Discounted Gadgets From Amazon's Top-Secret Overstock Section
We've got a shopping secret we'd bet big money you don't know about. Amazon has a hidden overstock section filled with thousands of discounted products. There are all sorts of unique items, but it's the clever gadgets that have truly captured our attention. Shop through the most genius stuff we could find, and invest in a few fun products for yourself.
This Game of Thrones Jewelry Line Is Full of Lions and Direwolves and Dragons, Oh My
When you play the game of thrones, you must decide where your loyalties lie. Ahead of the season eight premiere, eco-conscious lifestyle brand Alex and Ani are encouraging Game of Thrones fans to wear their house pride on their sleeves, or wrists, in this case. The brand's new, limited-edition jewelry collection is inspired by the three most prominent houses of Westeros - House Stark, House Targaryen, and House Lannister - so it looks like Cersei and Daenerys won't be the only ones looking like royalty anymore.
The 18-piece collection features everything from expandable charm bracelets to gemstone necklaces inspired by the show's most iconic characters - of course, the Sansa bracelet is rose gold. Each handcrafted accessory ranges from $39 to $59 and represents the empowering values of the houses. "Unbowed, unbent, unbroken," as House Martell would say. While rings won't be available on the site until later this month, you can shop the fire and ice Alex and Ani collection ahead.
28 of the Most Instagrammable Foods at Disney World
Sure, Disney World is one of the ultimate vacation spots, thanks to thrilling rides and adorable Mickey Mouse merchandise. But true Disney fans also know that the theme parks are known for their delicious - and often visually stunning - food.
While Disney World has a plethora of great restaurants with fantastic offerings, there's also are a variety of food carts, snack stands, and casual eateries where you can find items to both satisfy your park hunger and brighten up your Instagram feed. While the list of the best ones includes plenty of park standards - think Mickey pretzels and ice cream bars - you'll also find Disney movie-themed delights and nods to trends (hello, rose gold cupcake!). If you're a dedicated foodie or just like capturing all your Disney eats for Instagram, keep reading for the resort's most photogenic snacks.
Franzia Is Releasing Mini Wine Boxes Called - Wait For It - Little Franz
Franzia basically just released a line of the juice boxes from your youth . . . except with wine, of course. The adorably named Little Franz screw-cap boxes contain 500 mL - yes, that's over half a bottle - of Franzia's Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Colombard, or Crisp White wine, for $3.49 per box.
The mini boxes were included in the recently released Franz For Life campaign, which parodied the Golden Girls theme song. All of this appears to be an attempt to speak to millennial consumers and, hey, it's working! In a statement, The Wine Group Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Dubiel said, "The brand's largest demographic segment is millennials. We want to be sure we're growing with our customers at all stages of life." Check out the funny campaign, as well as the Little Franz boxes, ahead.
Boohoo Gave the Disney Princesses a Sassy 2019 Makeover in This Cozy Neon Collection
While Mulan's kick-butt attitude made her one of my personal favorite Disney princesses growing up, it looks like Minnie Mouse and a few familiar Disney royals aren't as sweet and serene as we thought they were. In collaboration with Disney, Boohoo has released an all-new collection inspired by some of Disney's coolest ladies - and it looks like they've gotten a total 2019 makeover.
A cross between cute, cozy, and totally badass (definitely not a word I thought would describe Disney), the collection ranges from snuggly pastel sleepwear with prints of Dumbo's mom to Princess Belle meme tees and an oversize Minnie Mouse sweatshirt dress. Just to add a fun pop of color, Boohoo has also included some neon pieces that definitely stand out among the rest and add a little extra glow to any outfit.
Personally, I have my eye on that Ursula t-shirt, but shop the full collection on Boohoo and check out some of the most standout pieces ahead.
130 Ways to Save Money and Still Have the Wedding of Your Dreams
Although many of us dreamed of our wedding when we were young, I'm betting that, as kids, we weren't able to process how much the big day costs. It's only after we've become adults and deal with grown-up stuff like school loans and 401(k) contributions that the true cost of a wedding really hits home. Going into debt because of a wedding isn't exactly the most romantic way to start a marriage, so read on for suggestions to help you save money on your wedding.
As If We Needed Another Reason to Go on the Disney Dream Cruise: Peanut Butter Milkshakes
If you needed any additional proof that the Disney Dream Cruise is where your next vacation should be, we have three words for you: peanut butter milkshake. While additional fees are not ideal during a Disney Cruise trip, Vanellope's Sweets & Treats on the Disney Dream is worth every penny. Recently, photos of the shop's Peanut Butter Tower milkshake have been popping up across social media, and one blogger read our minds when she said, "it is just as delicious as it looks."
The peanut butter chocolate milkshake is topped with whipped cream, pieces of Snickers, and a Krispy Kreme doughnut. It only makes sense that this shop has the most drool-worthy snacks; Vanellope von Schweetz was the Princess of Sugar Rush in Wreck-It Ralph. Check out photos of the peanut butter chocolate masterpiece ahead, and make sure to indulge the next time you're aboard the Disney Dream.
A Friends-Themed Cards Against Humanity Deck Is Here - So When's Game Night?
At this point, Etsy has basically become a one-stop shop for all things nostalgia and fun. Not only is it a place where one can casually purchase sequin pillows plastered with the many faces of The Office's Dwight Schrute and a shirtless Jeff Goldblum, but you can also buy a Friends-inspired Cards Against Humanity card game that'll take your love for the Central Perk crew to the very next level.
Created by Etsy user DaisystoreGifts, The One With All the Cards ($37) looks eerily similar to the classic (notoriously offensive) fill-in-the-blank card game. It comes with 99 gray cards and 180 white cards that all feature questions and answers based on some of the show's most memorable plots and sayings. The game is available for $37 on Etsy and can also be purchased as a printable download for just $6. Shop the game ahead and take a closer look at a few product photos.
Kit Harington's April Fools' Prank on Rose Leslie Backfired on Him - and Cost Him Some Money!
Kit Harington is known for pulling savage pranks on Rose Leslie (remember his cruel 2017 April Fools' joke?), but this year's April Fools' hoax definitely backfired on him - and cost him some money! Fresh off his Saturday Night Live hosting stint, the 32-year-old actor dropped by Late Night With Seth Meyers on Monday night and revealed how he pranked his wife by making her believe her favorite almond milk company was going out of business. "I'm aware this is the most first-world April Fools'," Kit admitted. "She won't drink any other almond milk, so I wrote an article about how this company who makes her favorite almond milk was going under because of Brexit. This backfired." Well, at least this time there weren't any tears involved! Find out what went wrong in the video above!
Everything We Know About Donald Glover and Rihanna's New Amazon Film, Guava Island
When Donald Glover and Rihanna posted a photo of them together months ago, the internet was instantly buzzing with rumors that they were working on a project. Turns out, the rumors were right: the duo have filmed a new movie, Guava Island, and the trailer first debuted at the Pharos Festival in New Zealand. Details about the secret movie are still scant, but here's what we know so far.
The trailer - interestingly billed as "a Childish Gambino film" - shows Glover at the center of a music-filled series of shots. He appears to play a musician who's tired of the constant pressures of the business. We know that Rihanna plays his character's girlfriend, based on the beginning of the trailer where the two flirt while he plays guitar. Other than that, most of the trailer follows Glover running through the streets of what looks like a town in some tropical location (it was filmed in Havana); there's not much info on the plot.
The only hint about the movie's socially tinged themes comes with Glover's narration: "What's wrong with me is that we live in paradise, but none of us have the time or the means to actually live here. We work hard. We deserve a day off. We're just taking what's ours."
On April 10, it was revealed that the film will premiere at Coachella on Thursday, April 11, and will continue to screen until the end of the festival. Childish Gambino headlines the festival on Friday, April 12, and the film will be free to stream on Amazon on Saturday, April 13. Amazon posted a brief teaser to celebrate on Twitter. "You're all invited to our staycation with @donaldglover and @rihanna," the caption reads. "The new #ChildishGambino film #GuavaIsland will be available on Prime Video starting Saturday 4/13 at 12:01am PST."
You're all invited to our staycation with @donaldglover and @rihanna. The new #ChildishGambino film #GuavaIsland will be available on Prime Video starting Saturday 4/13 at 12:01am PST. pic.twitter.com/rxXecJEfzp
- Amazon Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) April 11, 2019
Though Glover, Rihanna, and costars Letitia Wright and Nonso Anozie have been tight-lipped about the film's specifics, the writer did express excitement for the film in a press release. "I'm really humbled having the opportunity to present something this timely and timeless," Glover said. "Between Rihanna and the people of Cuba, this is one of my favorite projects I've ever worked on."
We can't wait to see what musical magic Glover has created this time!
Caution: These Sexy Gabrielle Union Photos May Cause Your Heart Rate to Increase Dramatically
Gabrielle Union is truly the physical embodiment of the phrase "age is just a number." The actress will be ringing in her 47th birthday on Oct. 29, and she looks better than ever. Between her sexy bikini snaps and her steamy red carpet appearances, there's no denying that Dwyane Wade is one lucky husband! Ahead, see Gabrielle's hottest moments of all time.
I Think Kim Kardashian Could Actually Make a Great Lawyer - May I Present My Evidence?
Kim Kardashian broke the Internet this week, but not for the usual reasons. The 38-year-old reality star and entrepreneur revealed in an interview with Vogue that she is currently studying to be a lawyer. You read that right!
Kim is planning to take her first-year law exam - which is commonly referred to as the "baby bar" - this Summer, with the goal of taking the bar exam in 2022. She's started a four-year apprenticeship with a San Francisco law firm and is working closely with the team to learn as much as she can. In her own words, "If I knew more, I could do more." Naturally, the response to Kim's new endeavor has been mixed: many admire her for continuing her education and consider the step "a fantastic use of her time and wealth," but there are also those who presume that Kim "bribed her way" into a law program, or suggest that she can't possibly become a lawyer because of her sexy public persona.
OK, so Kim doesn't have a college degree, and perhaps her outfits are a bit more revealing than most attorneys; but that didn't stop Elle Woods, now did it? Personally, I think anyone who takes the step to further their education should be commended, regardless of how many nude selfies they post - and truth be told, I actually think Kim would make a pretty decent lawyer. I'd love to present my evidence to the court. Care to consider my argument?
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