Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 15 avril 2019
These 101 Disney Princess Tattoos Are the Fairest of Them All
Disney princess love is a forever kind of love, and there's no better way to show this sentiment than with a beautiful, princess-inspired tattoo that will last a lifetime. From timeless quotes to colorful depictions of Ariel, Snow White, Pocahontas, Mulan, and every princess in between, this magical ink will inspire your next tattoo and open you up to a whole new world of magical markings.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
You Can Buy a Butt-Shaped Pillow on Amazon, and We're Honestly Crying
There's a reason working your glutes is so important - your backside provides your whole body with protection and comfort all day long, and it only seems fair that a great pillow should do the same at night. Forget memory foam, The Buttress Pillow ($69) is literally shaped like an ample backside, providing ergonomic comfort and neck support - and a good amount of laughs. No matter whether you're a back, side, or stomach sleeper, this insanely soft pillow promises to be the perfect companion for sweet dreams.
Created from 100 percent premium natural latex made from tree sap, this pillow features a silky inner cover as well as an easy-to-wash yoga-pant pillow cover (in turquoise, black, and white). You may have thought thick booties were only good for turning heads, but this cozy and hilariously kitschy pillow proves that butts are great for cradling heads, too! Shop it ahead, and be sure to check out these other supercomfy pillows.
Don’t Let Marie Kondo’s Appearance Mislead You, We Need More Female Asian Role Models
The following post was originally published on Medium.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you will have heard of the Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. Since her decluttering makeover Netflix series dropped at the start of the year, the general hysteria, especially in America, has been palpable - even her name has become a colloquial verb, to 'Marie Kondo' your home. On watching the show, my knee-jerk reaction to her as presenter, character, and Japanese woman wasn't something to be particularly proud of. I found her annoyingly cute and perfect - something about her whiter-than-white cardigan, her pristine eyelashes and the tone of her spoken Japanese. I saw her as a caricature of patriarchal norms and a symbol of the submissive Japanese woman. Threatened, I joked that she was some sort of OCD sociopath that would obsessively cleanse her body as soon as she left the chaotic Americans' houses.
But Marie Kondo is a fierce force to be reckoned with. Alongside TV show Queer Eye, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo has successfully reinvigorated the tired home-makeover genre with the KonMari method, a mindful decluttering exercise that asks homeowners to purge any possessions that no longer "spark joy." Right now, Marie Kondo is the biggest Japanese export, a phenomenon with legit business credentials. In 2015, she was named in Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people, she has sold more than 11 million copies of her book Spark Joy worldwide, and there really can't be many non-English-speaking Japanese women presenting their own Netflix series (she has a translator on the show.) If that isn't impressive enough, there are plans for a lifestyle-based e-commerce site, KonMari, that has the potential to rival Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.
"Why, when there aren't many female Asian role models out there, hadn't I welcomed her with open arms?"
Why, when there aren't many female Asian role models out there, hadn't I welcomed her with open arms? And why, especially when I consider my personal MO to be cute and fierce, was I threatened by this feminine version of a successful businesswoman? As a half-Japanese, half-English woman, having had my initial judgement, I was curious to unpick the underlying bias from both my Asian and white sides - to understand not only why the show didn't "spark joy" in me but also to unpack my negative visceral reaction to her.
My Japanese childhood provided me with a more traditional set of values than life in England. Back in the '90s, when I was at secondary school in Nagoya, like most teenagers, I was doing my best to blend in, feeling the pressure to be more feminine and a cuter version of myself. The word cute is synonymous with Japan, so much so that you may well already know the word, kawaii, but a term you are less likely to know is "burikko," which refers to women who fake their cuteness to attract the opposite sex. The performance usually involves being ditzy, talking in a high-pitched voice, and sometimes even acting younger or babyish. The popular girls at school would use this word to bully other girls. At the time, we were young, confused, and trying on different versions of ourselves, but now I realize we were competing, even demonizing instead of supporting each other, and all of this to impress some boys. The Japanese patriarchy dictates what a woman should be, and from a young age as girls, we are taught by society that being cute or feminine are valuable assets. As my Japanese mother used to say, "Being funny won't help you meet a suitable husband." Of course, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with choosing to be kawaii or enjoying cute things, but my initial judgement of Marie Kondo has partially stemmed from my upbringing in Japan and Japanese sexism: something of the burikko mentality has stuck, making me suspicious of the motivation behind ultrafeminine women.
It wasn't just Marie Kondo's hyperfemininity; I was also intimidated by just how perfect she was. Japan is a nation of perfectionism, known for its immaculate attention to detail and precise levels of organization. From an education system that requires pupils to clean their own classrooms to a train network that always runs on time, an upbringing in Japan provides one with an organically instilled and innate sense of organization, cleanliness, and tidying. However, this exemplary standard to be perfect has its downfalls, putting immense pressure on its people. As a mixed-race Asian friend of mine who grew up in Tokyo put it, "It's incredible to consume and enjoy the heightened perfection in Japan as a lazy white person, but it can be too much pressure to live as an Asian person." Nowhere does this idea of perfection manifest itself more strongly than in the Japanese patriarchy's idea of the woman, and therein lies another unconscious bias for me. Marie Kondo's appearance represents a sexist standard of perfection - petite, pretty, and polite - that I have and always will struggle to keep up with.
My British upbringing didn't do anything to help me find Marie Kondo's brand of femininity appealing either. In my 20s, I was influenced by career self-help books Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office and Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In, which advised women that to advance in one's career, being nice or likeable wasn't going to earn you a seat at the table. Certainly, the experience of my early career, working in the male-dominated music industry, was that being "girlie" was anything but a useful asset if you wanted to be taken seriously. Although Sheryl Sandberg was a feminist icon at the time, she was also accused of being elitist, and looking back, I also see her ideas were aimed predominantly at white feminists, not at WOC and certainly not feminine Asian women. It wouldn't be for another decade, until the likes of Ali Wong and Constance Wu started coming through, that I really found my cute-yet-fierce Asian role models.
There is also appeal in America for the perfect feminine Japanese woman described above, but to understand the organizing consultant's success stateside and my final Marie Kondo bias, there is more to this trope than first meets the eye. The key to the KonMarie method's connecting in America lies in the collective subconscious connection that many non-Asian people hold of a "spiritual" east. Early features from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal picked up on the spiritual side of her organizing and created a fresh narrative for her, manifesting her as the Asian personification of the Western phrase "Cleanliness is next to godliness." While the spiritual side of her organizing was mostly ignored in Japan, in America, her background of working several years as an attendant maiden in a Shinto shrine has made for an authentic story and an unlikely crux to her charm. Even Marie Kondo herself, according to this Forbes Japan interview, was surprised by her rise to fame in the States, but when asked how she broke America, she also puts it down to the interest in the spiritual aspect of her work. Although any references to this spirituality within the actual TV show are fairly muted, the potent combination of the media's narrative and the "oriental" fantasy trope have made her an authentic superstar. Earlier this year, Marie Kondo appeared on American TV show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and just like in her TV series, where homeowners would kneel, as if praying, taking a moment to show their gratitude toward their homes, she joined the host to meditate on Colbert's appreciation for the studio. Colbert jokes saying "I don't understand what you are saying when you say it . . . but I would follow you to a cult compound and never leave," and while this is all fairly harmless, part of me, mainly my Japanese side, feels uncomfortable that the organizing consultant is being painted as some sort of magical sage with mystic cleansing powers. It's not just Colbert here, and even though I can see that these tropes have actually aided Marie Kondo to carve out a niche for herself in the dominant culture, I can't help but feel uncomfortable as on a level they are simply racist.
Having said all this, I won't let Marie Kondo's appearance mislead me. I choose to see through my initial judgements of the ultrafeminine woman, the perfect woman, the patriarchal woman, and the "oriental" woman because I won't let the veneer of these sexist and racist biases prevent me from seeing the fierce Asian woman that she is. I am again reminded that I need to support not criticize, admire not compete, as women are entitled to look like and be whatever version of their successful selves they want to be. Marie Kondo is making room at the table for Asian women next to the Sheryl Sandbergs and Gwyneth Paltrows of the world. So join me in welcoming in this cute, fierce business lady, because after all, we need more diverse role models and leaders.
120 Zodiac Sign Tattoos That Will Make You Go Starry-Eyed
Do you read your horoscope every day? Are you interested in what the stars have aligned for you? If you're looking to get new ink and totally into studying the stars, chances are a zodiac tattoo would be perfect for you. We found the most beautiful designs for every sign in the year. Check them out and get inspired!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
The Hottest Destinations For Bachelorette Parties in 2019 - Where Will You Go?
OK, brides, before you put on that white dress, there's still one thing left to do - gather your girls and get ready for one final soirée as an unmarried woman! The bachelorette party is sacred for so many reasons. Not only are you getting fired up for your upcoming nuptials, you're also celebrating the women who stood by you through it all on your journey to find love, and every bad date and broken heart along the way. There are so many ways to do a bachelorette party right, from a low-key staycation to a wild week on the beach. If you're looking to get out of Dodge for your bachelorette bash, we've rounded up 2019's hottest destination ideas perfect for a girls-only getaway.
The 19 Hottest Sex Scenes From Game of Thrones
When you play the game of thrones, you either win or you die. But you get to f*ck a lot first. So . . . it's kinda worth it. Game of Thrones is known for its gratuitous amounts of nudity and raunchy sex, so what better way to celebrate the new and final season of Game of Thrones than with a roundup of the wildest, weirdest, hottest, and most memorable sex scenes thus far? Go forth and be prepared for butts - lots of butts - but be very careful if you're looking at this at work or around, uh, your parents.
Embrace Summer 2019 With 27 Vacation Dresses That Are Cute and Easy to Pack
If you're planning a vacation or getaway, you have to bring the right clothes along. Consider packing some travel-friendly dresses. We curated a list of options that are lightweight and easy to fold up. Whether you're on a long plane ride or exploring a new city, these designs will be comfortable and stylish.
Missing the Battery Percentage on Your iPhone Status Bar? Here's How to Find It or Get It Back
If you have a smart phone of any kind, you probably know that battery charge is very important. And if you have an iPhone, particularly an iPhone X, you might be wondering where the hell the battery percentage went on the top of your screen. But fear not, there's an easy hack so you always know how much time you have left until your phone dies.
On earlier iPhone models up to and including the iPhone 8, you can see your battery charge in the status bar on your home screen. All you have to do is go to your settings, scroll down to "Battery," and tap the button to the activated position next to the words "Battery Percentage."
After doing this, the percent of battery life you have left will show up next to the battery charge icon in the status bar, along with the time, your reception signal, and WiFi connection.
On all models, the percentage of battery charge you have left will automatically show up when your phone enters "Low Power Mode," whether you have the "Battery Percentage" option ticked on in your settings or not.
If you have an iPhone X, which Apple has said has the "longest battery life ever in an iPhone," the percentage of battery left on your device shows up in the Control Center, not in the status bar. You can see this by swiping down from the top-right corner of the phone screen.
This Year's Go-To Tropical Vacation Spot Is Baha Mar in the Bahamas
More than 10 years in the making not to mention $4.2 billion in investments, the Baha Mar Resorts in Cable Beach near Nassau in the Bahamas are the newest tropical adventure you're seeing over and over again on your Instagram feed.
The Baha Mar holds three hotel brands - the Grand Hyatt at around $350 a night, SLS Hotels starting at $500 a night, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts from $700 a night - each with its own set of amenities offering more than something for everyone. Highlights across all three brands include 10 incredible swimming pools, outdoor bars, colorful luxury cabanas, more than 20 restaurants, a spa, a children's club, luxury shopping, and access to stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, water hammocks, floating lounges, and snorkels.
There's also a 100,000-square-foot casino overlooking the ocean (the largest casino in the Caribbean), and an animal complex called The Sanctuary, home to wildlife including green sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, more than 50 species of reef fish, and a flamingo habitat, where a chief flamingo officer is said to take care of the birds. Sounds straight out of a movie, but it's real - just peep ahead for photos of the Instagram-friendly resort.
Read 'Em and Weep! 101 Tattoos Inspired by Famous Books
The things we read in the books we love often stay with us for a long time, but for some, they stay forever - literally. Tattoos based on books are a beautiful way of keeping our favorite literary memories, characters, and quotes alive even after we've turned the last page. We've rounded up some artistic interpretations of famous works - from the Harry Potter and Hunger Games series to Pride and Prejudice and The Little Prince. Read 'em and weep!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Ditch Your Jeans! We Found the 55 Best Travel Dresses For Spring and Summer
Traveling in constricting jeans or pants is the worst. Ditch your denim for something much more comfortable: a dress. There are plenty of options that are light and floaty so you can relax on a plane or long road trip. We curated a selection of the very best options that are easy to pack, wrinkle-free, and incredibly cute. Shop through these genius choices and get yourself one before your next vacation. Consider it a smart investment.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
101 Unique Travel Tattoos to Fuel Your Eternal Wanderlust
Warning: only committed travelers allowed. If you have a never-ending case of wanderlust, this awe-inspiring ink is perfect for you. Check out all 101 of our most favorite tattoos from those who roam the globe. Get ready for these to make you want to pack up and take off.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
We Just Found the Cutest Affordable Luggage From Target, So That Means It's Time For a Vacation!
Welp, it looks like we are planning our next getaway sooner than we thought. Thanks to Target's insanely cute selection of suitcases, we think it's only necessary that we dust off our passports and get going. If that's wrong, we don't want to be right.
In case you still aren't as convinced as we are, have you seen the new Jungalow luggage line from Target or the stylish SwissGear roller pieces? If you haven't, that's what we are here for. And let's not forget to mention that every piece is absolutely affordable, because, well, Target is just that good. So if you do end up overpacking (which we won't blame you for), checking a bag will be totally worth it.
So without further convincing, feel free to check out the best (and cutest) carry-on suitcases, luggage sets, and weekender bags we could find from Target. Oh, and don't forget to send us a postcard from wherever you and your new luggage travel to. Au revoir!
Related: Skip the Crowds: Here Are 10 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2019
60 Brother-Sister Tattoos For Siblings Who Are the Best of Friends
Siblings are the BFFs you're born with. If you're close with your brother or sister, these tattoo ideas will inspire you to permanently honor your bond. Whether you want something small and simple or silly and statement making, we've got examples perfect for everyone. Check them out and see if you can convince your sibling to get inked!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
It's Party Time! These 47 Bridal Shower Games Will Get Your Gathering in Full Swing
When it comes to the bridal shower, nothing breaks the ice better than a good game. To keep it easy on the maid of honor, we found affordable and printable games that are sure to be a hit. Take your pick from Mad Libs that offer humorous advice, a guilty game of "he said, she said," or even a couples' bucket list for the adventurous bride. Whatever you choose to print or play, these games will get the party started and memories flowing - just in time for her big day!
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
The Urban Decay x Game of Thrones Collection Sold Out - Here's How You Can Get It
Urban Decay has been teasing us with a Game of Thrones collection since February, and now Winter is nigh. The Urban Decay | Game of Thrones collection first look is here, and by the looks of it, it will easily be the biggest and most anticipated collaboration of the year, and it doesn't disappoint. To commemorate the eighth and final season of the series, it includes 13 products: a highlighter palette, a 20-pan eye-shadow palette, a lip and cheek stain, two makeup brushes, four limited-edition Vice lipsticks, and four 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, and two fully grown dragons.
The eye-shadow palette includes a mix of jewel tones and neutrals with matte, satin, and shimmer finishes. It also features four holographic transformer shadows to cocktail the different shades in the palette with. Inspired by your three favorite houses and the White Walkers, the palette is 3D and includes a pop-up of the throne.
The Mother of Dragons highlighter palette has three shades with metallic finishes; there are four limited-edition Vice lipsticks: Cersei Lannister, Sansa Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, and White Walker. In addition to four eyeliner pencils, there's a lip and cheek stain that looks like a vial of blood - which is fitting given the Targaryen sigil on the packaging - and two eye-shadow brushes: one that pays homage to Jon Snow's sword, Longclaw, and one inspired by Arya Stark's Needle.
The limited-edition products launched worldwide on April 14th on UrbanDecay.com and sold out in seven hours. Don't be sad, though: the collection will launch on April 29th on Sephora.com and Ulta.com, and in-store May 2nd.
dimanche 14 avril 2019
Hang Out With Some of Disney's Most Chilling Villains at Disney World's After-Hours Spectacular
When the princesses are away, the villains will play. Disney's most dastardly villains are creeping out from the shadows of Disney World and taking over the Magic Kingdom this Summer in a chilling, late-night spectacular - and you've never seen Maleficent like this before.
Disney villains are the characters we're supposed to detest, but what if they had control over the happiest place on Earth? As part of the park's annual Disney After Hours event from June 6 to Aug. 8, guests are invited to walk on the wild side and experience the Magic Kingdom through the eyes of Disney's most nefarious crew - but what kind of dark magic do they have hidden up their sleeves?
During the park's limited-time event, Hades and Meg from Hercules will set the stage of Cinderella's Castle ablaze in an all-new production called Villains Unite the Night, with special guest appearances from Jafar, Dr. Facilier, and Maleficent. Guests will also be able to experience special villain-inspired enchantments on rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as enjoy low wait times on 20 of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions. Dibs on the Haunted Mansion!
The coolest part? Maleficent's dragon will be creeping through the park in parade float form and breathing fire wherever she goes, making for a sinister surprise and some amazing selfies. As for the food? There will be desserts, drinks, and dishes inspired by The Red Queen, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, Hades, and Dr. Facilier, and even Emperor Zurg will be available to guests who attend this special event.
But there is one important thing to note: while all of our favorite villains will be entertaining guests into the wee hours of the night, they will not be available for character meet and greets during Disney After Hours. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on select nights, but park guests are invited to enter as early as 7 p.m. to enjoy some food and fireworks before the true show begins. Tickets go on sale on April 29 and can be purchased in advance for $139 per adult or child, plus tax, or purchased on the day of the event for $144 per adult or child, plus tax.
Tickets are limited, so swipe 'em up ASAP, and check out the full date list for the Villains After Hours event ahead:
- Thursday, June 6
- Thursday, June 13
- Thursday, June 20
- Thursday, June 27
- Monday, July 1
- Thursday, July 11
- Thursday, July 18
- Thursday, July 25
- Thursday, Aug. 1
- Thursday, Aug. 8
30 Small Real-Girl Engagement Rings With Big Impact
We all love a massive engagement ring, but sometimes a daintier option is preferred. After all, who wants a ring so heavy that you're practically doing finger crunches just to pick up anything? Rings with smaller stones can be intricately beautiful and feminine when designed just right. Check out all of the real-girl ring inspiration for the lady looking for something on the smaller side.
10 Sweet Ways I Show My Partner Every Day Just How Much I Care
Whether it's saying "I love you" before you both fall asleep at night or saying "no" to the dessert menu on date night when your partner is attempting to diet, there are a million ways to show how much you care about your significant other every single day. Most of the time, words aren't even needed to convey your love and appreciation. From taking care of the chores to planning a couples' getaway, any relationship could benefit from a little extra love, because even if you know how you feel, it never hurts to remind your partner. Here's just a few tiny ways I tell my partner just how much I care - no words required.
I Learned the Hard Way That Dating a Coworker Is the Worst Idea Ever
"Oh, crap!" I thought when I first I saw him. A new, very hot guy had started working at my office, and I knew right away it would be a problem. I wanted to go out with him, and no matter how many times I tried telling myself it wasn't a good idea because we worked together, I didn't listen. This guy was so my type, it hurt. After a few weeks of shy glances from the water fountain, our coworker introduced us before the company holiday party. I couldn't wait to talk to him in a less formal setting, and did we ever.
After a few (too many) drinks, I built up enough courage to get my flirt on and ended up spending the entire night getting to know the guy I'd been admiring from afar since he started. He was smart and funny, which only intensified my crush. And he kissed me! I think I floated home, which may have had something to do with my booze intake, but mostly it was because the guy I liked seemingly liked me too. Sigh. Life was good.
Related: I've Been Online Dating For a Decade - Is My Time Up?
Just as I was about to ponder sleeping under my desk to avoid seeing [my coworker], an email popped up. It was from him.
After a very awkward next day of being hungover and slightly avoiding each other, we ended up talking more, and he asked me out. When Saturday rolled around, I was so focused on getting ready and looking perfect that I barely noticed how late he was picking me up. In fact, he was over an hour late. Then two. Then three. He wasn't coming. I'd been stood up.
To say Monday morning was awkward is an understatement. I wanted to hide behind the copy machine. But just as I was about to ponder sleeping under my desk to avoid seeing the guy formerly known as my crush but still known as my coworker, an email popped up. It was from him. He claimed to have fallen asleep the night of our date and was too embarrassed to talk to me. I wanted to tell him where to shove it but instead ended up agreeing to go out with him again. I don't know why I decided to give him another chance, but he actually showed up this time. We had fun and continued our date back at my place.
Related: 11 Signs That You're Being Taken For Granted in Your Relationship
I thought everything was fine, but then he literally never talked to me again. Seriously . . . nothing. Work was hell. He ignored me completely. It was super uncomfortable at first, but the silent treatment lasted so long that we passed uncomfortable and landed on normalcy. To this day, years later, I still don't know why he acted like such a jerk. Thinking he just didn't like me back was bad enough, but having to see him every day was way worse. Good thing we rarely had to interact for work purposes. When we did, I'm pretty sure my face turned the color of the scarlet letter, which I sometimes felt like I was wearing, wondering who in our office knew what had happened.
After that, I vowed to never date a coworker again. A promise I stuck to when a guy in another department asked me out a few months later. I told him I just didn't want to date anyone from work, and he understood. How many people could I avoid on a daily basis?
Related: 50 Ways to Turn Up the Heat in Your Long-Term Relationship
I soon got another job at a new company, and looking back, I really regret letting him make me feel so terrible. I wish I hadn't given him the satisfaction. I hope my story spares someone else from the embarrassment I suffered, and I hope he reads this and finds out I'm now happily married to someone outside of work who loves me and would never stand me up. Ever.
Aquaman and Mera Say Their "I Dos" on the Beach in This Steamy, Sparkling Wedding Shoot
Move over, Ariel and Eric! Aquaman and Mera are about to dethrone the Disney couple with this dazzlingly romantic beach wedding. The two characters have electric chemistry on the big screen in the recent adaptation, and it certainly transferred into this photo shoot that was put together by Cristina of Hermosa Weddings and Events at the Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing, CA.
"Many DC elements related to Aquaman and his alter ego Arthur Curry were incorporated throughout the design," Cristina said. "The entire design revolved around the colors orange and green, since Aquaman's costume in the DC comic books is orange and green." She also drew upon the sea for inspiration as an ode to Aquaman and Mera's underwater home of Atlantis. The table is a treasure chest draped with linen resembling golden sand and decorated with delicate glass charger plates shaped in the form of shells with elegant turquoise wine glasses. And take a closer look at those place cards . . . some of the names might look familiar if you are a fan of the DC universe. From the sparkling decor details to the couple's steamy sunset ocean shots, take in all the stunning photos of this fantastical beach wedding now!
Just Got AirPods? Here's How to Connect Them to Your Phone
With each new Apple release, the company's products seem to get more and more advanced. Whether it's smartphones with zero buttons, devices that double as a scanner, or offering full magazines at the touch of a button, Apple is truly modernizing the way we stay connected. And one of their more recent (and massively popular) releases are AirPods, or wireless pods that act as headphones. And good news: despite being so high tech, connecting AirPods to your phone is actually incredibly easy.
If you're connecting your AirPods to your phone for the first time, you'll need to make sure that your smartphone is operating at iOS 10 or later. After you have this confirmed, open the pods' case (keep the headphones inside, they don't need to come out yet!) and hold the case directly next to your phone. An image of your pods and its case should pop up on the screen. Tap "Connect," "Done," and that's it! If you're already logged into iCloud, your pods become instantly linked with whatever device is associated with that Apple ID.
From here, all you have to do is throw in your AirPods and select what music you would like to listen to. But want to know what's even cooler? When you remove them from your ears they automatically stop playing. That means no more fiddling to hit the pause button!
Here's What to Do If You Don't Like Your Engagement Ring
Your partner just proposed and you're super excited (naturally), but there's just one teeny, tiny problem: you can't stand your engagement ring. Being stressed is totally normal, as you don't want to insult the person you love or appear difficult, but you also really don't want to have to live with that ring on your finger for the rest of your life. And if you've been one to fantasize about this moment and what your ring might look like, including the cut, design, and type of diamond you've always envisioned, it can be hard to settle for something that isn't what you had in mind. The good news is, you can definitely get the ring you want without compromising your relationship. Here's what to do.
1. Speak Up
First off, you need to say something if you're unhappy or else your partner will never know and you'll be stuck with that ring forever. "Do be honest with yourself about how you feel. If you don't like your ring, you can't 'unfeel' that emotion, and repressing the feeling isn't going to help," relationship counselor David Bennett told POPSUGAR. "If anything, you may become resentful toward your partner. I suggest honestly expressing your feelings, but do so in a way that takes their feelings into account. Many people will hear a criticism of the ring as a personal criticism of them."
2. How to Tell Them
You may be feeling upset that your partner chose a ring you didn't like, but they may also be upset that you didn't like the ring they carefully chose and spent a lot of time picking out. The best thing to do is sit down and show empathy for them, David said. Be gentle in your tone and come from a good place.
3. Don't Act Entitled or Greedy
If you want a new ring, make sure you choose one that works with their budget and that you don't make it seem as though you're upset with the cost rather than just the look of it. "If you act entitled to a new ring that's the absolute best and only the best, it may have the effect of permanently straining the relationship," he continued. "It could be taken as entitlement, a very unappealing trait for a long-term partner."
4. How to Choose a New One
While you're the one choosing your new ring (and you should be vocal and stand up for what you want), have a clear design in place that's at a similar price point to the original, and also let your partner feel a part of the process. Don't just go swap it yourself. "An engagement ring is ultimately a gift. If you demand it, it isn't a gift; that's called a ransom," David said. "Work with your partner and allow them to have some say in the process." You should also be flexible and see the bigger picture: a ring (and its size, shape, and cost) doesn't determine the love and commitment that goes into a relationship. "I'm a firm believer that engagements and marriages are more important than rings and weddings," he said. "So when evaluating your current ring or choosing a new one, consider things like relationship happiness and financial limitations."
These Adult-Only Disney Cruise Line Activities Are Practically Perfect in Every Way
When you think of Disney Cruise Line, you're probably stirring up images of Mickey and his friends walking around the ship greeting guests, kids ooh-ing and ahh-ing around every corner, and endless amounts of food! While all of that is definitely true (and a lot of fun), there's tons of magic in store for adults who are traveling with their kids and maybe want a little break, or adults who are cruising sans little ones.
On any Disney Cruise Line ship, those over 18 can find spaces just for them to relax and soak in the magical atmosphere. From highly themed nightclubs to an ultrarelaxing spa and adults-only beaches on Disney's private island, grown-ups are in for a vacation they won't soon forget. Leave the kids at the Oceaneer's Club, and check out all of the fun that awaits the young at heart when sailing on Disney Cruise Line.
Related: 12 Reasons Taking a Disney Cruise Is More Magical Than Going to the Parks
Why the Women in My Family Don’t Scrub Floors
The following post was originally published on Medium.
Whenever my 20-year-old son comes to visit me in California, the third thing he does (after requesting his favorite home-cooked meal and rolling around with the dog) is drive over to Target to buy a new mop.
The kid has never once seen me wash a floor. Because I never have. Neither have my mother and grandmother.
Mother and Gran were awesome cooks, haphazard launderers, and one-step-ahead-of-the-health-department housekeepers (like me) - but their vigilance about making us kids wipe our feet or remove our shoes before we entered the house wasn't about cleanliness. It was about race. And gender.
When my mother graduated from high school in 1955, it was Gran's fervent wish that she find a job where she could "sit on her ass" all day long. She didn't want her daughter stuck in a factory, on her feet for hours, sweating out the Summers and freezing through the Winters, tolerating white men's wandering hands and white women's racist jokes.
And factory jobs were plum! Gran's older sisters were all maids, nannies, and washerwomen for affluent white ladies on the west side of town. I remember my Aunt Beulah, well into her sixties, standing outside in the snow, waiting for the bus to take her to her "day work." I remember my Aunt LaVerne coming home in tears about something I didn't understand - the mister "being mannish" - and being warned not to tell the uncles.
No, Gran wouldn't have that for her daughter. It was bad enough to put up with constant racial and sexual indignities, but actually having to wash their dirty dishes or clean their toilets? In her mind, scrubbing the floor was the worst of these chores. It exemplified degradation and subservience as a black person and a woman. Getting down on your hands and knees was the Line That Would Not Be Crossed.
One day, Gran came home from work and Mother was excited to tell her she'd spent the day with one of the aunts helping to clean some lady's house. She showed Gran how she'd helped Auntie in the kitchen. "Get up off that damn floor!" Gran yelled, "and don't you ever get down there again."
That"s how the story came to me, decades later.
Gran made Mother take typing and shorthand in high school. "It's going to get better for colored girls someday," she'd say. "And you'd best be ready."
Although my mother went to college much later as an adult and became a professor, after high school she worked as a stenographer and secretary. She landed a government job - helped in part by her light skin and straight hair. She put my father through law school by "sitting on her ass" and typing.
"A man who expects a woman to scrub his floor will expect her to kiss his ass."
When they got married, the story goes, Gran pulled my father aside and said, "A man who expects a woman to scrub his floor will expect her to kiss his ass. My daughter won't be doing neither one. Best you know that from the git."
At the time, the concept of work was vastly different for black and white women. These were the '60s and '70s - the era of The Feminine Mystique and the rise of Ms. and NOW. The work of black and white women remains an unresolved point of tension, a flashpoint of entitlement and class warfare, privilege and economic equity.
Historically, black women have rarely had the luxury of choosing to be a homemaker; their husbands were systemically prevented from the education and training necessary to become high earners. Labor unions were closed to blacks. Few fields were open - ministry, for example, or enlisted military service. Black men who built their own businesses were targets of harassment, violence, or outright lynching. For black women - and poor women of every race - working was a matter of survival. Too often, this work was menial, unsafe, and underpaid. It wasn't even close to the fulfilling careers black women dreamed of.
"Feminism is for rich white women who have black maids cleaning their toilets and too much time on their hands," my mother would say, well into the '80s. "Black women have always worked. When did we ever have a choice about it?"
Mother never once called herself a feminist - even while she demanded entry to all-male academic associations and fought for equal access to science and math departments for women students at her college. Not even as she exposed gender-based pay scams at a local union and joined the picket line protesting gender-based hiring at the police department.
Back at home, my father washed the floors and then my brothers. After my divorce, Dad or my youngest brother would come to my apartment just to mop the kitchen. My sons took over the job almost as soon as they could hold a mop.
My only daughter got married a few weeks ago to a kind and thoughtful man. When they moved in together last year, I pulled him aside. "My daughter does not wash floors. Ever." He gave me a hug. "Oh, Mom," he sighed. "I'm well aware."
When my son went back to Chicago after his last visit, he left me a newfangled cool mop thingy that sprays the cleaner out and sucks it back up. "You know, Mom," he said. "It's not 1955. You don't have to get down on your knees to wash the floor. You don't even have to get your hands wet."
I just shrugged. I don't wash floors. And neither will his future daughters.
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.
I Reunited With My First Love in Adulthood . . . and It Was a Disaster
It's the stuff rom-coms are made of: teen boy meets teen girl, and they fall in love, have typically dramatic breakup, reunite as adults, and realize the spark never died. Wedded bliss ensues, right? Right?
When my first love came sweeping back into my life a few years ago, I couldn't help but think that we were stepping into the happy ending of a Hallmark movie. After all, if cheesy films taught me anything, it's that the bigger the drama, the truer the love, right? And boy, did we have drama.
John and I were each other's first loves, but as they say, the course of true love never ran smooth. Back in high school, he won me over with his brash charm and secret romantic side, but to everyone else, he was known as a hothead with a hair-trigger temper. A soccer star, John was as infamous for his tantrums as he was for his hat-tricks. One time, he actually threw a folding chair at a referee, a move (dumb) 17-year-old me found exciting and manly. "That's not a red card, that's a red flag," my best friend Erin said at the time, but I just rolled my eyes and screeched that John was simply trying to find himself.
"I wasted the last 10 years of my life without you, and I don't want to waste one more," he declared.
But the occasional game-day meltdown (which he always laughed off) wasn't John's only sin. The morning after I lost my virginity to him, I found out he'd cheated on me with my friend Liza. Numb and reeling from the betrayal, I dumped him and never spoke to Liza again, which added a layer of pain and unfairness to an already agonizing situation. He went off to USC, and I threw myself into life at Cal Poly, not dating anyone seriously until senior year.
I kept up with John through mutual friends; I refused to add him on Facebook (I love a good grudge), so Erin would feed me info about him, from his burgeoning real estate company to the fact that he was - ahem! - still single and would ask about me whenever he ran into her.
Obviously John had grown up and matured, or at least channeled that tempestuousness into business prowess. So when he texted me "I miss you" out of the blue a decade after we called it quits, I found myself more than willing to pick up where we left off. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the idea of ending up with my first love. What could be more romantic than that? Besides, after five years of dating in New York City, I was aching for someone who knew the real me and who loved me when I was a dorky teen with a Justin Timberlake obsession.
After a flurry of FaceTimes and late-night calls just like way back when, John said he was coming to Manhattan for business - and to see me. "I wasted the last 10 years of my life without you, and I don't want to waste one more," he declared with the same boldness I'd fallen for as a teen, reinforcing my belief that, yes, all those youthful indiscretions were just that!
Well.
The first three days were spent in a bliss cocoon. I felt 17 again and giddily in love. All of John's typical teenage boy "feelings are stupid" vibes were gone, replaced by a steady and sure, grown-ass man. On day four, we had a wine-soaked dinner with his business partners, all friends since their frat days. The boys joked and teased each other in good fun, but things took a turn when John ribbed his partner Brian over his failed first marriage.
"Ha!" Brian guffawed, taking another slug of Cabernet. "Tough talk from a guy whose hairline is making a run for it." My eyes flashed to John's face, and I froze - it was the same look as when he'd tried to take off a man's head with a metal chair.
In an instant, there was the sound of shattering glass. John had lobbed his water glass at the wall, nearly hitting a waitress. Before anyone could react, he stalked out of the restaurant and into the humid Summer night. We sat there, stunned and horrified. Had that just happened? Brian peeled off a few $100 bills to smooth things over with the staff, and I went to John's hotel, where I found him . . . completely unbothered.
"Yeah, sorry, Brian was just pissing me off," he said flatly, flipping through channels before switching off the TV and taking my hands in his. "Listen, thank you for putting up with me. You always have, and I know I don't deserve it. You're my angel, and I . . . I love you."
Even when we were dating, he'd never said it. Maybe part of him knew that this was exactly the right time to drop those three words to reel me back in. And I'm sad to say it worked. I put the incident behind us and spent the next week back in a happy(ish) bubble with him.
The night before John was set to leave, we had a long talk. He asked me to move back to LA with him, and I found myself saying yes. It all just seemed perfect, right? I mean, Brian probably knew better than to tease John about his hair. Who could blame him for flipping out, right?
"Look, I want to tell you something," he said slowly. "I just want us to start our lives together being honest, so . . . a few weeks ago, I slept with Erin."
"Erin, like, my best friend Erin?"
I actually laughed, because I couldn't believe it was true. A few weeks ago, John and I were already talking again. And even if we weren't, my best friend slept with my first love? Was I hallucinating? Was this happening?
I don't even fully remember what John said next, I was too disgusted to even hear him. Something about running into her after too many beers and only wanting her because she reminded him of me. That's when suddenly, while sitting on the bed in the Gramercy Park Hotel, it all became so painfully clear: John had not changed. He was still the same thoughtless, reckless, violent guy everyone else recognized him as. Only now he was just dressed up in a fancy suit. And he definitely didn't love me. If he did, he'd at least have had the courtesy to cheat with strangers instead of my best friends.
And even worse, I had to ask myself whether or not I had changed. Or was I basically just the same smitten teenage girl willing to make excuses for her obviously bad-news boyfriend, all in the name of some juvenile fairy-tale ending? I answered myself by walking out of John's hotel without uttering one more word to him - and haven't since. I blocked his number and told my friends to do the same. At least, the mutual friends I had left; Erin weepily apologized when confronted, but I couldn't bring myself to stay friends with her. Just like when I was 17, I'd lost the guy and the girl.
Looking back, I realized that life isn't - and shouldn't be - a rom-com plot. And getting caught up in the mythology of your first love can be a recipe for disaster. On one hand, yes, timing really is everything. But it's called a breakup because it's broken. So from now on, I'll keep my recycling to paper and plastic - not men!
Anthropologie's Swimsuit Selection Is So Good, You Won't Be Able to Pick Just 1
It's time to defrost from the bone-chilling days of Winter and prepare for the sultry Summer season ahead - where the sun sets late, the temperature is warm, and our puffer coats and snow hats are exchanged for swimsuits and flip-flops. Before you know it, we'll be loading up the sunscreen, which is why it's time to start thinking of the wardrobe and, more specifically, swimwear that you want to wear this year. The good news is Anthropologie's latest collection has us ready to strip off the layers and switch to swimsuits with its gorgeous florals, high-waisted sets, and beautiful one-pieces that flatter every figure imaginable. We couldn't be more excited to sunbathe in these praiseworthy swimmers. Ahead, shop all of the Anthropologie pieces we can't wait to wear while we soak up the sun!
Related: The 22 Swimsuits You're Going to See Everywhere in 2019
Emily Ratajkowski's Polka Dot Bikini Comes With a Top . . . Kind of
Emily Ratajkowski is one of the many supermodels posted up in Palm Springs for Coachella. She's there with her husband and her adorable dog, who hung with her poolside when she showed off a new look from her line, Inamorata Swim. While Emily's polka-dot Stone Steps bottom is not a new item, the matching button-down is, and Emily decided to wear it completely open with no bandeau or halter underneath it. She completed her look with a gold coin pendant necklace, drawing just a little more attention to her sultry, ahem, situation up top. Scroll for another peek, then shop Emily's design along with plenty of inspired options.
Please Allow Gigi Hadid to Brighten Up Your Day With This Colorful Tie-Dye Vest
On Friday, Gigi Hadid hit up day one of Coachella rocking a chic, hippie look. The 23-year-old model was spotted strutting around the Indio, CA, event in a colorful tye-die vest over a ribbed crop top with white jeans and black boots. The outfit was then complete with layers of necklaces and pink sunglasses as she made her way through the crowd with a drink in hand. She's one of the many famous figures sashaying in the desert and showing off their best festival attire. And even though we're admiring all the fun outfits from afar, we're still hoping to add a few inspired pieces to our own wardrobe. Ahead, shop Gigi's exact style as well as similar looks!
Ditch Your Jeans! We Found the 55 Best Travel Dresses For Spring and Summer
Traveling in constricting jeans or pants is the worst. Ditch your denim for something much more comfortable: a dress. There are plenty of options that are light and floaty so you can relax on a plane or long road trip. We curated a selection of the very best options that are easy to pack, wrinkle-free, and incredibly cute. Shop through these genius choices and get yourself one before your next vacation. Consider it a smart investment.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Emrata All Saved Their Sexiest Outfits For Coachella
It's our favorite time of the year: festival season! A-listers made their way to Indio, CA, for Coachella to enjoy a weekend jam-packed with music, and you better believe they packed their most fashionable outfits for the music festival. From Gigi Hadid's tie-dye vest to Emrata's barely there bikini, celebs couldn't help but post all of their amazing outfits on Instagram. Read on to take a look at some of our favorite looks from weekend one ahead.
Toes, It's Time to Make Your Summer Debut in These Hot Sandals and Wedges - All From Target!
Target is preparing us for warmer weather, and, let's be honest, we couldn't be more ready. The superstore's new 2019 Spring and Summer shoes include cute slip-on sandals, cork wedges, espadrille platforms, and so many other seasonal styles. Take on the heat in fresh footwear that will complement any sundress, every beach cover-up, and absolutely everything in between.
So if you're looking to step up your Spring and Summer style, look no further than Target.
How Stylish People Really Wear Cargo Pants
When I wore cargo pants in middle school, I certainly didn't look cool. When they cropped up decades later on the Spring '19 runways, I held my breath and thought, HERE WE GO AGAIN. I was not ready for this - was anyone ready for this? Maybe Jenna Lyons could show me the way. I think I saw her styling cargo pants with a sequined blazer once, and remember thinking: I want that whole outfit. Jennifer Aniston also had a memorable run in cargo pants circa 2001. Brad Pitt may have had a matching pair, but I digress. The point is, how the heck are we supposed to wear these right now?
The short answer is that Jenna Lyons and Jennifer Aniston were on to something. They transformed the utilitarian-looking pants with slim-fit t-shirts and fashion-forward frills (read: sequins and heels). If, like me, you've resisted the trend, our editors have some ideas. I also tapped into the street-style set to deliver on outfit ideas to last all season. Ahead is a veritable buffet of looks to choose from, because cargos are back and they don't have to look anything like the outfits you put together in seventh grade. Unless, of course, you want them to (and in which case, you're far cooler than I ever was).
Need a New Bag? Well, These 14 Top Picks Are on Sale at Nordstrom
Buying a new bag always feels good; it's practically scientific. The only thing that feels better is buying a new bag on sale. From now until April 22, Nordstrom is marking down some of its top bags by up to 50 percent, and we're ready to shop. Think cool belt bags, classic totes, and unique silhouettes, all at discounts we can get behind.
OMG! Oprah Just Learned What a French Tuck Is, and Queer Eye's Tan France Would Be So Proud
If you get Oprah's seal of approval on something, you better believe your life would be made! Brie Larson bumped into Oprah backstage at the Women in the World Summit in New York. While chatting, Oprah had a major fangirl moment over Brie Larson's French tuck, which ICYMI, is when you tuck a portion of your shirt into your pants or skirt. Brie explained that she learned the styling trick Queer Eye's Tan France! "It's going to balance your proportions and help you look taller and leaner," Tan explained during an episode of the show. Read on to see the adorable moment, which Brie's stylist Samantha McMillen, caught on video.
Meghan Markle's Favorite Flats Had a 25,000-Person Waitlist, and Now They're Finally Back!
Meghan Markle is a master at styling. She often mixes designer and off-the-runway with affordable and ethical labels to create outfits fit for, well, a queen. But when the Duchess makes a public appearance wearing a new brand, it flies off the shelves. Back in 2017, Meghan attended Toronto's Invictus Games with her then-boyfriend Prince Harry and paired Sarah Flint Natalie flats with a Misha Nonoo white button-down, Mother jeans, and her other fashion favorite, an Everlane brown tote bag.
Soon after Meghan debuted the dainty shoes, they sold out and accumulated a 25,000-person-long waiting list. Two years later and the Sarah Flint flats are finally back in stock, this time at a discounted price - once $425, the shoes are now listed for $345. Ahead, we found Meghan's favorite flats, along with other affordable choices. But shop soon, because these shoes are selling fast!
Related: Pregnancy Hasn't Stopped Meghan Markle From Wearing Some Serious Statement Shoes
Now That You've Spring Cleaned Your Closet, You Have Room For These 17 Cute Tops
In order for our wardrobe to feel complete, we need a strong arsenal of tops. Whether you prefer jeans, a flirty skirt, or cute shorts, they all need to be paired with a cute shirt. The new season calls for a fresh take on our wardrobe staple. So, think fun prints, romantic silhouettes, and puffy sleeves. Good luck picking a favorite.
17 Petite Maxi Dresses Short Girls Can Wear, Too - Starting at Just $25
If you're on the shorter side, it's no secret that hunting down a maxi dress can be a challenge. This Spring and Summer, skip that extra trip to the tailor and shop dresses actually made for petite frames. To help you find your match, we've shopped and uncovered 17 pretty pieces that are perfect for work, vacation, and all the weddings you'll be attending this season. The best part: they start at just $25 - seriously. Read on to shop our favorite picks; they're just the right length.
Kacey Musgraves's Tie-Dye Suit Looks Approximately 10 Times More Magical From the Side
Kacey Musgraves just flawlessly proved, yet again, that she can rock pastels on the red carpet like no other. The 30-year-old singer turned heads at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday when she showed up in a dreamy cotton candy-colored pantsuit. A straight-off-the-runway ensemble from Christian Cowan's recent Powerpuff Girls collection, Kacey's outfit featured muted hues inspired by the superpowered sister trio, all blended together like watercolors. Her blazer sleeves and wide-leg pants were hiding shimmery pleated details that caught our eye as she made her way down the red carpet.
Not only was Kacey's outfit a nod to this season's ever-popular tie-dye trend, but it also could've been a subtle reference to her single, "Rainbow." Kacey, who nabbed the female artist of the year award during the show, styled her suit with pink Brian Atwood heels and a Tyler Ellis clutch. Keep reading to admire her ACM Awards ensemble from every ethereal angle.
Carrie Underwood's Sultry ACM Awards Gown Makes It Hard to Focus on Anything Else
Carrie Underwood walked the 2019 ACM Awards with her husband, Mike Fisher, by her side. The country singer put on her sparkliest gown for the award show, and it instantly caught our attention. Her gorgeous Nicolas Jebran number featured one shoulder strap and was covered with intricate beading. Her dress also had not one, but two daring thigh-high slits on each side that showed off her toned legs. Carrie finished off her red carpet look with crystal-encrusted Jimmy Choo heels, Hueb earrings, and rings by Dena Kemp and Djula. Read on to admire her gown from all angles.
Nordstrom Has a Major Sale Going on Right Now - Stock Up on Swimsuits Up to 50% Off
Every time Nordstrom has a sale, it's practically a holiday for us. From now until April 22, Nordstrom is marking down a treasure trove of items we've been coveting, so we're ready to shop. One thing we're particularly excited for? Swimsuits! Yes, there are nine supercute pieces, and they're on sale just in time for swimsuit season. From fun tie-dye pics to sunny yellow one-pieces, the only thing you'll have trouble with is picking a favorite.
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