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.
mercredi 17 avril 2019
Burned Popcorn in the Microwave? Here's How You Can Get the Smell Out
Who doesn't love a hot, salty, crunchy bowl of popcorn fresh out of the microwave? Mmmmm, it's the best smell, wafting through your home as it pops. But once you're done, you've probably noticed the smell of popcorn can linger on your appliance for a long time. And if you burned it, forget about it - you'll be smelling that for weeks (months!).
According to design and home decor website Hunker (which aside from featuring genius home hacks also offers major interior decoration eye candy), there are a couple of things you can do to clean your microwave of the odor.
How to Use Vinegar to Clean a Microwave
Hunker suggests you fill a glass measuring cup with one cup of water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar, then microwave the mixture for 90 seconds (or until you see it start to boil). Leave the door closed for a few minutes, letting the steam collect in the microwave, and wipe down.
How to Use Lemon Water to Clean a Microwave
Pour 1/2 cup water into a glass container or bowl. Slice a lemon and squeeze the juice from it into the water, then place in the entire lemon. Microwave for 90 to 120 seconds, until the water begins to steam. Leave the door closed for a few minutes, letting the steam collect in the microwave, and wipe down.
23 Top Gifts From Amazon So Genius, We're Predicting They're the Hot Purchases of 2019
Need a little gift inspiration for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or holiday? We're going to help you out. Our editors hunted down the top presents from Amazon that men and women are buying right now. There is truly something for each person on your list. Shop through them all and prepare to be the most thoughtful person in the room.
The 44 Coolest Gadgets on Amazon Have Customers Talking, and You Need to See Why
Amazon is like a never-ending galaxy of brilliant products, but sometimes, it can get overwhelming. That's why we comb through every corner of the site to uncover the coolest stuff that should be on your radar. Shop through these mind-boggling items that will instantly improve your day-to-day life.
What Does - and Does Not - Belong in the Dishwasher
Have you ever wondered what the best practices are for what should and should not be run through the dishwasher? Years of washing mind-boggling amounts of dishes - in the name of recipe testing, natch - have left us with strong opinions, some of which may even surprise you (see the "run through the dishwasher at your own risk" category). Read through the list, and you'll be armed with the knowledge to keep your dishes sparkling clean and undamaged. Bonus points go to those who forward it to less well-informed spouses and roommates . . .
Go For It
- Basic ceramic plates, bowls, and mugs; check the manufacturer's recommendations when in doubt.
- Stainless-steel and Pyrex mixing bowls; on the top rack so that they don't block water flow.
- Pyrex and stoneware baking dishes; check the manufacturer's recommendations when in doubt.
- Plastic and wood-composite cutting boards; check the manufacturer's recommendations when in doubt.
- Kitchen shears, especially if you're using them to break down raw poultry.
- Stainless-steel half-sheet pans, cooling racks, muffin tins, and other metal bakeware.
- Kitchen sponges and scrub brushes; on the top rack only.
- Silicone and metal kitchen utensils.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Stainless-steel flatware.
Don't Even Think About It
- Heirloom, high-end, or particularly delicate china, glassware, and silver - anything you'd cry over breaking.
- Wooden and bamboo cutting boards, tools, and utensils; high heat will warp and even crack wooden cookware.
- Kitchen and steak knives, especially carbon steel; they'll lose their edge faster. (Wooden handles can warp, too.)
- Cast-iron pots and pans; really, soap should never come in contact with cast iron.
- Copper pots and pans; the metal will dent.
- Enameled cast-iron pots and pans; the enamel can chip.
- Pop-top pantry storage containers; the gasket may warp with repeated washings.
Run Through the Dishwasher at Your Own Risk
- Nonstick pots and pans and bakeware; the nonstick finish will depreciate faster.
- Stainless-steel pots and pans; make sure that any stuck-on food is soaked to loosen it up first and that they don't block water flow too much. Handles may loosen over time as well.
- Travel coffee mugs and reusable water bottles; the seal may depreciate faster, but we put these in the dishwasher for convenience's sake. Some are even made to be dishwasher-safe.
- Some insulated beverage cups; check the manufacturer's recommendations when in doubt.
- Serrated/bread knives; this isn't best practice, but their edge is less damaged by dishwasher abuse than other kitchen knives, and these tend to be replaced more often as they're harder to sharpen anyway.
- Wooden chopsticks; perpendicular to the grates that hold things in place on the top rack. They may swell or warp with repeated washings.
- Inexpensive stemware; on the top rack only. Some breakage may happen, but isn't that why you bought it on the cheap?
- Inexpensive wooden spoons and utensils; on the top rack (see inexpensive stemware).
- Inexpensive glass and stoneware vases; on the top rack (see inexpensive stemware).
9 Tips For Preparing For (and Acing) That Job Interview
So you've passed the initial application stage and have secured an interview for a role you really want. Congratulations! But the hard part isn't over yet. You still need to ace the interview. And there's a lot to consider when it comes to job interviews, from wondering what questions will be asked to figuring out what to wear. Plus, it's as much about using it as an opportunity to find out if they're a good fit for you, as well as you being a good fit for them.
It's easy to feel nervous or overwhelmed, but an interview doesn't have to be a big, scary obstacle between you and your dream job. If you're prepared, motivated, and confident, you're already several steps closer to success. Here are some simple tips that will help alleviate your nerves, empower you as a professional, and make your interview a triumph.
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company you'll be working for, what your role will entail, and who will be interviewing you. You'll feel much more confident after building a strong foundation of knowledge and won't be thrown off if you're questioned on your understanding of the company.
- Look back over your application. That's what helped secure you an interview after all. The interviewer might draw questions from or refer back to your application, so refresh your memory and identify ways you could elaborate on what you had initially submitted.
- Practice questions and answers. There are a range of ways you might do this: you might want to comb through common questions or you might prefer role-playing the interview process with a trusted friend or family member. Either way, anticipate what you might be asked and have strong answers prepared.
- Practice the route. It's not just important to plan what you're going to say at your interview, you need to know how you're going to get there! Whether you're driving, cycling, or traveling by public transport, going on a dummy run will help you plan the logistics of your journey and ensure you won't get lost. On the day itself, you can concentrate only on the task at hand and not worry about the route.
- Prepare your outfit. Yes, you want to wear something appropriate, but it's not just about what the clothes look like, it's how they make you feel. Choose an outfit that shows your personality in an appropriate way and makes you feel confident.
- Think positively. Practical preparations are important, but you also need to adopt a positive mindset. Meditation, positive playlists, and even visualization exercises can help you envision success. According to a study by The Journal of Consulting Psychology, visualization exercises make a big difference to a candidate's success, as 66 percent of the subjects who adopted these techniques were employed within two months. Choose a method that will aid your positive thinking and turn your hopes of success into a reality.
- Check your body language. From a smile to good posture, open body language communicates that you're approachable, confident, and capable of doing the job at hand. Make sure you practice techniques before your interview so that any positive habits you adopt feel natural in your body.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. If you want to perform well at your interview, it's important that you take care of yourself. Eat healthy and nutritious foods and get some rest. That way, on the day of your interview, you'll feel fresh and energized instead of slow and sluggish.
- Warm up. On the day of the interview, make sure that you aren't going in cold. Stretch, go for a run, meditate - just channel your nerves physically. Even practice speaking aloud to warm up your voice so that when you greet the interviewer, you'll already sound calm and confident.
There's a 41-Pound Cat Named Barsik Who's in Desperate Need of a Forever Home
At this very moment, at least 3.2 million cats in the US are in need of a forever home. And while I can't bring home any more furbabies without risking eviction, I'm praying that someone can swoop in and scoop up Barsik, a very handsome 41-pound male who's currently living with his foster mom. Although Barsik's weight certainly makes him stand out on social media, the 5-year-old kitty is embarking on a weight loss journey so he can set himself up for success with his new family. Read through to get a look at Barsik's life with his foster mama, and keep tabs on his Instagram account to see when he'll be available for adoption.
2019's Trendiest Paint Colors Are Sure to Transform Any Space
No wall in your home should be left a blank canvas, and in 2019, there's no better time to experiment with some trendy colors. Whether you're thinking of creating a fun accent wall or want an affordable way to transform an entire room, a fresh coat of paint adds visual interest to any space, and 2019's best shades can do so without overpowering. From subtle and soft to incredibly bold, these five colors are some of the best choices for reenergizing a room this year, and we bet there's at least a few in here that you never dreamed of being able to pull off.
Related: This Color-Matching Gadget Will Stop You From Losing Your Sanity Over Paint Shades
A First-Time Gorilla Mom Won't Stop Holding and Smiling at Her Baby, and the Photos Are Truly Tender
If you were to tell me that seeing photos of a first-time mama gorilla cuddling her newborn baby at a zoo would make my heart ache, I'd shake my head at you. I'd tell you it's cute, but that would be it for me.
But after seeing these photos of critically endangered western lowland gorilla Kafi holding her new baby and smiling, I think I'm a different person. According to the Dublin Zoo, Kafi delivered her first baby on April 1, and she is so enamored with her little one that she hasn't let her go. "To date, keepers at Dublin Zoo have been unable to determine the gender of the infant as Kafi has been keeping the baby close to her chest since the birth," the zoo's website said.
Helen Clarke-Bennett, team leader of the African Plains at Dublin Zoo, also commented that what Kafi is doing is wonderful for the baby. "Kafi is doing a fantastic job so far as a first-time mother, keeping the young baby physically close in these crucial early stages." And dad Bangui is doing a great job, too. "Bangui is proving to be an attentive father and at night has been sleeping close to Kafi and the baby."
Scroll through to see the photos of the new mama fawning over her little one, and try not to completely lose it in the process.
25 Perfect Places to Snap an Instagram Photo in London
London truly has a lot to offer to both travelers and locals alike. You can explore everything from haunted pubs to bright colorful locales and everything in between. The UK city also has a practically endless amount of places to snap the perfect Instagram shot to show off to all your friends.
We pulled together some of our favorite locations in London that will create a beautiful photo. There's a little bit of architecture, a little bit of history, a whole lot of color, and even some quirky spots you might not have thought of. Don't stop here, though. There's new things to find around every corner in London!
The Perfect Summer BBQ Playlist
Food, sun, and music make the perfect recipe for a great BBQ. Let us set the scene: your friends and family are in your backyard, chatting and relaxing, as you grill burgers, hot dogs, and more. You hand them a cold can of wine, all while the perfect set of songs play in the background, keeping the mood light and most importantly summery.
Ahead, find just the playlist you need, featuring some old-school Motown classics mixed with some modern anthems that'll make everyone go "I love this song."
My Secret to Making Amazing Chili? Adding Oatmeal
Chili is one of my favorite foods. Being from the Midwest (where there are many versions of chili), we had it all the time during the long Winter months. My mom's secret ingredient is canned green chiles. But as I've gotten older and started cooking it myself, I've experimented with perfecting my own recipe. And one thing I heard to add to chili is - wait for it - oatmeal.
I know what you're probably thinking - the breakfast staple in a dinner dish? Yes! It actually tastes amazing and gives chili even more texture. It also packs tons of extra nutritional benefits since it's a great source of fiber and is a much healthier option than adding things like flour or cornmeal for thickness. And if you want to make vegetarian chili, oatmeal is the perfect add in.
Related: Don't Have Any Buttermilk on Hand? Make Your Own With These 2 Simple Ingredients
I've seen different recipes with different amounts of oatmeal, but most call for half a cup per six servings. I tend to use between half a cup to one full cup of old-fashioned oats, and I just put it into the Crockpot with all of my other ingredients. The oatmeal definitely sucks up moisture in the chili, so sometimes I add in a little extra water.
While I like using old-fashioned oats, you can use any type of oat. "For steel cut oats, you'll want to cook them until most of the liquid is absorbed, then add in the remaining chili ingredients and proceed as usual," Adena Neglia, MS, RDN, CDN, of Brown and Medina Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. "For quick oats, you can add them right with the rest of the ingredients, but you'll want to start small as the oatmeal absorbs a lot of liquid."
If you're worried that it will taste like, well, oatmeal, I swear it doesn't. It's actually the opposite since the oats soak up the chili's flavor. I always feel like it leaves me with more servings of chili, along with leaving me more satiated than I would without the added oatmeal. Oatmeal in chili is the way to go. Case closed.
15 Things Organized People Have in Their Homes
If you've been searching for the best products to organize with after KonMari-ing your home, look no further. These stress-free products will totally revamp your space. Ditching the clutter and organizing your home sparks endless amounts of joy and transforms your home. Organizing your home may seem like a daunting task, but these products will give you the added motivation you need. As an added bonus, they're all on Amazon!
- Additional reporting by Angela Elias
If You Don’t Make Your Dog Wear a Pet Baseball Hat to Block the Sun, Then You Haven’t Officially Made an Enemy
I have a 10-year-old rescue Golden Retriever, and when the hair on her nose started thinning, I began reading about whether or not I needed to offer her any protection against the sun's harmful rays. According to experts, the answer is yes. Figuring my dog would never let me put sunscreen on her nose (at least not without trying to eat it), I thought the next best thing would be to get her the Pet Dog Baseball Cap Sport Cap Hat ($9).
I haven't had tons of success with getting her to wear holiday hats and fleece robes, so I wasn't sure how this would go down. To my surprise, she kept it on the entire day, and though the hat was slim, the bill was just long enough to keep her entire nose out of the sun all day long. Good purchase indeed!
This New Line Lets You Match Your Outfit to Your Dog's, and Sign Us the Heck Up!
As much as my 100-pound black lab hates wearing anything other than his collar, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be shelling out for MeUndies's brand-new clothing line that caters to your four-legged friend. Known for its matching underwear sets, the brand recently released BuddyBands, a mix of loungewear, underpants, and just-for-dogs bandanas that allow owners to match with their pooches. As expected, it's the cutest damn thing going. And if you thought it couldn't get any better, for every BuddyBand sold, MeUndies is donating $1 to Angel City Pit Bulls, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to the often-misunderstood breed. Scroll through to get a look at the matching sets that your pup will positively flip over!
What Are the Chances of Daenerys Finding a Fourth Dragon on Game of Thrones?
The season eight premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones is packed with plenty of awesome imagery - including some great peeks at Daenerys Targaryen's dragons (with Jon Snow on the back of one!). Her fire-breathing babies will surely play a big part in fighting the White Walkers and her quest for the throne, but let's not forget that she's down a dragon. In season seven, the Night King sadly kills Viserion and turns him into a wight to assist his undead army. Can Daenerys successfully defeat them with only two dragons? And more importantly for all the dragon-loving fans, can she ever get more of them?
Though the dragons seem like such a staple on Game of Thrones, they don't actually show up until the very last episode of season one, so a refresher might come in handy. For much of that season, they're simply eggs. Dany receives the three eggs as a wedding gift from Illyria Mopatis, the guy who arranges her marriage to Khal Drogo. The eggs are mostly for decoration and revered for their worth, as they've aged and turned to stone overtime. But Dany feels connected to them somehow, and tries to get them to hatch.
Nothing happens until she burns Mirri Maz Duur for cursing her and failing to save Drogo. Dany has the witch tied to Drogo's funeral pyre, places her dragon eggs on it, and walks into the fire when it's ignited. The next day, she's miraculously unharmed, and the eggs have hatched into three baby dragons.
Dany names the dragons Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion and raises them like her own children throughout the series. But as far as we and the characters on the show know, these are the only living dragons around, and the first ones to appear in centuries. If there are more out there, there's no definitive place they would be, since their origins are a little vague. In season one, Dany's handmaiden Doreah says that she heard dragons came from a second moon that hatched when it got too close to the sun. Dany's eggs, however, are said to have come from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai. Could there be more eggs there? If so, Dany would have to travel all the way back to Essos, even further away from Westeros than she's gone previously.
However, the season eight premiere also includes a new title sequence. that hints at the possibility of Dany finding at least one more dragon. After the episode aired, Reddit user ninajo94 noted how when a sword blazes across the screen, you can catch a glimpse of four dragons - count 'em, four - decorating the metal, as well as a comet soaring across the sky.
[SPOILERS] 4 dragons on the sword during the intro...that's one too many from r/gameofthrones
Now, if you've read up on the Azor Ahai prophecy, this should ring some bells. In A Song of Ice and Fire, the series of books that inspired the TV version of Game of Thrones, there is a popular myth surrounding a hero figure named Azor Ahai who allegedly rose up to save the world from the White Walkers centuries earlier by forging a legendary sword - Lightbringer - that helped him push the Others far, far into the North, where they were all but forgotten about.
In A Dance With Dragons, the prophecy about Azor Ahai is stated as follows: "When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone." Seeing as the White Walkers are back and more terrifying than ever, it stands to reason that Azor Ahai's reincarnation is, too. Could the sword emblazoned with a falling star and dragons be a hint Dany is the Prince That Was Promised? OR could it simply be teasing the arrival of a fourth dragon?
While the television series has deviated from the book series multiple times, there's always a chance that the final season pulls from the books for inspiration. In A Feast for Crows, Maester Aemon reveals that dragons are "neither male nor female . . . but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame." Dany's remaining dragons could feasibly reproduce, though it seems quite late in the game for that. If she wants fully grown dragons, her best bet might be the Azor Ahai prophecy.
Popular guesses think this refers to raising dragons from Dragonstone, which is a volcanic island. Since Dany has been hinted as a possible candidate to fulfill the prophecy, it would certainly be an exciting twist if she found even more dragons!
The Game of Thrones Season 8 Soundtrack Will Include SZA, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and More
The Game of Thrones score, composed by musical genius Ramin Djawadi, has iconic songs like the show's pounding main theme and the haunting season six finale score, "Light of the Seven." Now the HBO series is getting a whole new set of songs to celebrate the imminent arrival of season eight from artists like SZA, Ellie Goulding, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and more.
Columbia Records and HBO announced in early April that an album, For The Throne, is on the way. It will include a ton of brand new tracks inspired by the fantasy series, marking the first time HBO has partnered with a major label to curate a soundtrack. We can only pray that a sampling of Daenerys screaming "Dracarys" makes it on to at least one of the songs. (Or, at the very least, we get a Shame Nun Remix of some sort.)
Curious about whose vocals you'll hear on the album? Check them out:
A$AP Rocky
Chloe X Halle
Ellie Goulding
Jacob Banks
James Arthur
Joey BadA$$
Lennon Stella
Lil Peep
Maren Morris
Matthew Bellamy
Mumford & Sons
Rosalía feat. A.CHAL
SZA
The Lumineers
The National
The Weeknd
Travis Scott
Ty Dolla $ign
X Ambassadors
Quite the lineup, eh? For The Throne is available for preorder now since it won't hit shelves until April 26. In the meantime, enjoy the album trailer, ahead.
The Game of Thrones Premiere Had Fans Giving One Underrated Character a Standing Ovation
The following post contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones season eight premiere.
I'm not sure if you've heard by now, but Game of Thrones is back, baby! After a nearly two-year-long break, the HBO drama made its long-awaited return to TV on Sunday night, and as we could've expected, there was A LOT of ground to cover to get the show back on the road.
Naturally, the internet wasn't short on memes and funny reactions to the season eight premiere. One particular moment that stood out to everyone occurs early on in the episode when Lyanna Mormont sums up her disapproval of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen's already-complicated relationship with a speech in front of all of the Northern nobles.
Her speech, in which she questions why Jon would give up his title of King in the North to bend the knee to Daenerys, garnered her a ton of praise from fans online who have essentially been wondering the exact same thing. Ahead, see how fans showed their appreciation for one of the show's most underrated characters.
Well, I'll Be Damned! The Dark Lord in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Is One Handsome Devil
Warning: In order to turn up the heat, I must release a few spoilers from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina season two. Proceed with caution.
After the second season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina hit Netflix, fans were left with a lot of questions . . . and a lot of thirst. The show's whole cast is fully of wickedly good-looking actors and actresses, but newcomer Luke Cook turned up the temperature a few notches with his steamy portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar. That's right, the Dark Lord makes an appearance in the last few episodes, and spoiler: he's hotter than hell.
Twitter users battled inner conflict over pledging their own loyalty to such a dark and dangerous character. He is the literal devil, after all. Yet, somehow, Cook makes being bad look so good. There's no confirmation if he'll make an appearance in season three, but it seems likely if Sabrina's able to follow through with her promise and to get Nick Scratch back. Keep reading to see how fans responded when they saw him emerge onscreen - in a loincloth, no less!
Are These Office-Themed Prayer Candles Necessary? Nope. Do I Still Want One? Absolutely.
The Office may have aired its final episode nearly six years ago, but its fan base still remains one of the most dedicated and passionate ones out there. Case in point: a handful of particularly loyal viewers have crafted actual prayer candles inspired by the NBC show, swapping out saintly figures for Dunder Mifflin's finest employees. Necessary? Probably not. Still at the top of my Etsy wish list regardless? Abso-freakin'-lutely. Keep reading to shop a selection of the hysterical candles currently available on Etsy - and yes, there's even one that honors your favorite Michael Scott alter ego, Prison Mike.
Calling All Peter Kavinsky Fans - Noah Centineo Is Currently Single
Ever since his breakout role in Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before (and even before that on Freeform's The Fosters), Noah Centineo has fans everywhere swooning. He followed up his first Netflix role by playing the popular-yet-sensitive love interest in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, as well as in the more recent rom-com The Perfect Date, and we're already anticipating the return of Peter Kavinsky in the forthcoming To All the Boys I've Loved Before sequel. But despite playing the ultimate Netflix boyfriend, Noah is surprisingly quiet about his own romantic life. As much as we'd like to think he's holding out for us, here's everything we actually know about all of the girls he's loved before (and no, we're sorry to say that Lana Condor is not one of them - she's already been taken by Anthony De La Torre for several years now).
Most recently, the 22-year-old actor sparked romance rumors when he and 30-year-old Lily Collins were spotted leaving the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars party together. In January, Noah directed and appeared in a music video alongside the To the Bone actress for DJ ARTY's "Save Me Tonight," and the two became fast friends, with Lily tweeting, "Thank you guys for having me be part of such an insanely fun day." They've also done some Insta flirting, like when Noah shared photos from his Calvin Klein campaign and Lily commented, "I never look that good when I lounge." Noah's response: "Oh please," along with a fire emoji. Hot indeed! Let's not forget that photo Noah shared on Instagram of him and Lily with their "baby." Despite all evidence to the contrary, neither has confirmed any sort of relationship beyond a friendship.
It wouldn't be the first time that a music video collaboration has led to a rumored more-than-friends connection. After he starred in Camila Cabello's music video for "Havana" last October, fans also believing they saw some real sparks flying, but Noah assured them that the only chemistry they saw was platonic. "She is the kindest, sweetest, most energetic, tiniest little person that I've ever met," Noah said of Camila in an interview with Buzzfeed. "And we had an amazing time. We danced and we laughed and we talked and got to know each other. It was a lovely experience."
Even though Noah is currently single, he has had serious (and not just alleged!) relationships in the past. He previously dated Lab Rats star Kelli Berglund back before they were both famous, and he also dated actress Angeline Appel for two years until they ended things in 2018. As far as any future flames go, Noah knows that the kind of woman that catches his eye is one who's always up for adventure. As his former The Fosters costar Cierra Ramirez told Entertainment Tonight, ". . . she's definitely got to be . . . able to go on hikes with him and watch the sunset. Who wouldn't want to do that? But she's got to be down. She's got to be a woman of the world."
But we have some bad news: as far as dating fans goes, it's probably not going to happen. When asked about the possibility by E! News, the actor explained, "I don't close any doors totally, but probably not, because then it's like more of an infatuation with, like, a position more than, like, the person. It can overshadow that, which is difficult, I would think." Sorry, guys.
The 1 Superstition That Continues to Make Its Way Into Every Conjuring Universe Movie
As it currently stands, there are five movies in the Conjuring universe, but three more are on the way. That's a lot of creepy sets, a lot of crucifixes, and a lot of fiddling with spiritual forces we as humans can barely grasp. As it turns out, though, there's a special superstition in place that at least seems to keep the demons and ghouls at bay. This past December, I was lucky enough to visit the Los Angeles set of the next slated film, Annabelle Comes Home, where I learned a pretty interesting fact about these movies: they always have the set blessed by an actual priest to ward off evil spirits.
During my visit, I was shepherded through the day by the production's charming unit publicist, James Ferrera. He's the one who told me about the fun fact. As it turns out, they didn't think to bless the set of the first film in the series, The Conjuring. But ever since, it's become tradition. "We've done a set blessing on all of the films beginning with The Conjuring 2," Ferrera told me. "On The Conjuring 2, we had an exorcist that was recommended to us by Lorraine [Warren] - a friend of hers who's sanctioned by the church to exorcise buildings but not people. Apparently there are different levels of sanctions for exorcisms."
While he couldn't remember who had blessed the Annabelle set, he was able to piece it together from there. "On Annabelle: Creation, we had a local priest from St. Monica's parish in Santa Monica do it."
That brings us to the most recently released film: The Nun. "On The Nun, it was the only one we didn't do a set blessing with a Catholic priest, because we were in Romania and it's 95 percent Eastern Orthodox. So, we had an Eastern Orthodox priest do the blessing at a castle in Transylvania," Ferrera recalled, then told me they'd had a local Catholic priest for the set of Annabelle Comes Home. As the franchise continues, the practice has become something that's equal parts tradition and superstition. "It worked out on The Conjuring 2," Ferrera said with a shrug. "We had very few reports of things happening, so we just kept up that tradition ever since."
With my curiosity piqued, I sprinkled in questions about the set blessings during my interviews throughout the day. The spookiest part? It seems they didn't bless the set of Annabelle Comes Home at the start of production, because a couple members of the cast recounted creepy on-set experiences that happened before the set was eventually blessed. Here's hoping things stayed quiet after the fact.
You may think this whole "set blessing" thing sounds kind of silly, but I'll leave you with this: some of Hollywood's most iconic (and demonic) horror movies were plagued with unsettling setbacks during production. Take The Omen, which is considered one of the most haunted films productions in history. Then there's the set of Poltergeist, which befell great misfortune after the crew used real human skeletons to film one scene. And with a demonic doll in the mix - there's a real Annabelle doll, people - I bet that set blessing is sounding real good right about now.
Everything You Need to Know About Meghan and Harry's Baby, in 1 Handy Place
We are mere weeks away from another royal baby, and there's been so much information about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first child for us to keep up with. Is it a boy? Is it a girl? Is it American?! We know you have questions, which is why we've rounded up all the details we have about Baby Sussex so far. Keep reading for everything you've wanted to know (seriously, everything!) about Meghan and Harry's bundle of joy.
Game of Thrones: This Theory About Drogon Would Explain SO Much
Among all the jaw-dropping moments in the Game of Thrones final season premiere is the long-awaited moment when Jon Snow finally rides a dragon. The secret Targaryen rides Rhaegal - the dragon named for his father, Daenerys's much-older brother Rhaegar - while Dany rides Drogon, named for her late husband, Khal Drogo. Although it is a seriously epic scene, it is immediately followed by an unintentionally funny one: as Jon kisses Dany following their shared flight, he accidentally meets Drogon's gaze, and the dragon gives him an . . . interesting look. One of the theories floating around about this awkward moment? Drogon isn't just named after Khal Drogo - he's the reincarnation of the Dothraki warlord.
At least one member of the Thrones crew has this as her own personal theory of Drogon's backstory. Sound designer Paula Fairfield told Time that she crafts Drogon's sound palette around the idea that he is, in fact, a reincarnation of Khal Drogo.
"My story of Drogon is he's the reincarnation of Khal Drogo, [Dany's] hot husband from season one," she explained. "That relationship I always have in mind when choosing Drogon's [sound] palette."
Adding credence to the theory: Drogo is the dragon who gives Jon Snow that much-memed weird look while Jon and Dany are making out in the season eight premiere. If he is really a reincarnation of Khal Drogo, it's absolutely reasonable (and absolutely hilarious) that he would be making a face at his wife's new boyfriend/secret nephew. Dany's dragons were hatched out of Khal Drogo's funeral pyre, too, giving them yet another link with her late Dothraki husband.
As entertaining as the theory is, though, it's probably not true. In HBO's official behind-the-scenes featurette for the episode, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss explain that the dragons - Drogon included - actually like Jon; Drogon's expression is one of approval, not disapproval.
"Seeing Jon and Dany on the dragons together is a Jon and Dany moment, but it also seeds in the idea these creatures will accept Jon Snow as one of their riders," Weiss said. It's not a look of hostility, then, but an odd moment of acceptance into the very exclusive dragon-approved club - even if Jon is still incredibly awkward around the dragons.
Princess Eugenie Has Friends in High Places - Here Are Some of Them
Gone are the days when the royal family could only associate with other royals and high-ranking aristocrats. Nowadays, members of the royal family hang out with Hollywood actors, pop musicians, designers, and a wide variety of people without a single title. The people who move in royal circles, though, are still pretty extraordinary in some way.
Princess Eugenie is a perfect example of this kind of modern royal. She's low enough in the line of succession that she's not a "working royal" and instead has spent her career working in the art world, which has brought her in touch with some of the biggest names in pop culture. The princess is known to love spending time with her friends - here are eight of the people she's likely to spend the most time with!
30 Oh-So-Relatable Schitt's Creek GIFs to Save For Later Use
Let's be honest: you can take pretty much any moment on Schitt's Creek, in or out of context, and it'll be funny. The Canadian comedy, coproduced by POP and CBC, just wrapped its fifth season - and announced that the upcoming sixth season will be the last one. With all the funny moments in the show, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few, but we've rounded up a handful of GIFs packed with catchphrases, running gags, and plenty of superexpressive eyebrow movements. If you're a longtime Schitt's Creek fan, these are sure to remind you of all the moments you've loved - and if you haven't watched yet, there's no time like now to start!
Game of Thrones: 21 Really Perfect Tweets About How Much Cersei F*cking Loves Elephants
Warning: Mild spoilers for Game of Thrones below!
Here's something you might not have realized about Cersei: the woman f*cking LOVES elephants. Judging from the season eight premiere of Game of Thrones, which aired on Sunday, the queen might even love them more than wine, which is really saying something.
When we check back in with Cersei following the show's lengthy hiatus, it seems the pregnant queen is maturely working through her emotions regarding Jaime's decision to up and leave King's Landing to go fight with the Starks in the North . . . and by that, of course, I mean she bribes Bronn to murder both Jaime and Tyrion with the crossbow that killed their father. So yeah, Cersei is still just as vengeful as ever.
One person who appears to have gotten on her bad side right away is the Golden Company's Captain Harry Strickland, who arrives in King's Landing with Euron and plenty of ships holding the rest of the sellsword company's army. Although he fills her in on the amount of men he's brought from Essos to replenish the Lannister's depleted army, all Cersei really seems to care about is the fact that he didn't bring elephants across the sea as promised. In fact, she mentions it multiple times in the episode, both in front of Strickland and again as she sulks after sleeping with Euron.
Why do elephants matter so much to Cersei when she knows the Night King is on his way? Does she think they can fly à la Dumbo? Has she seen that battle scene in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and think elephants look like that in Westeros, too? The world may never know, but at least Twitter had plenty of hilarious thoughts about her new obsession, which you can see ahead.
Kit Harington Wore "High Heels" on Game of Thrones to Appear Taller, and I Feel Lied To
A big personality can go a long way in making people think a character on screen is taller and more intimidating than they actually are (I'm looking at you, Arya), but personality alone apparently wasn't enough when it came to Game of Thrones' Jon Snow. In an interview with Esquire, Kit Harington revealed that he wore "high heels" on the show to appear taller, and I slightly feel lied to.
During a conversation about his understandably heavy costume, which includes a sword and a large fur coat, Kit said, "I was in f*cking high heels, because I'm short and they need me to look taller than other people, so I'm carrying fifty pounds in high heels. You'd have about a week or two where your body went into shock, going, 'I can't, I'm knackered.'"
At 5'8," Kit is a bit shorter than some of his costars, including Sophie Turner, who is 5'9." Still, it looks like his high heels have done their job and helped him fully transform into the King of the North. Wondering how tall the other cast members are? Keep reading to find out!
30 Lana Condor Instagram Posts That Will Spark Joy Into Your Existence
Lana Condor has been making us swoon with her heartfelt performance in To All the Boys I've Loved Before and butt-kicking role on Deadly Class. We're all pretty much obsessed with her friendship with costar Noah Centineo as well as her gorgeous beauty looks. The 21-year-old actress is a force to be reckoned with, emerging as an inspiring role model for Asian girls and women everywhere. While she is super self-aware and takes her work seriously, she's also not above showing off her silly side on social media. Looking through her Instagram feed, you'll find an eclectic mix of goofy and stylish posts that are as unique as Lara Jean Covey herself. Scroll ahead to see our favorite posts from Condor while you wait for P.S. I Still Love You to hit Netflix!
Long After Girl Meets World, We Still Live For Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter's Friendship
It's been over two years since Girl Meets World ended, but we're still not over the adorable BFF-ship between Riley Matthew and Maya Hart, the only friendship that has ever come close to rivaling Corey Matthew and Shawn Hunter's. Luckily (and despite their three-year age difference), actresses Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter are just as close off screen as they are on the show, and while that doesn't make up for the fact that we'll never get a fourth season, it definitely helps. Here's all of the best pics of the two young stars that will make you wish for yet another Boy Meets World spinoff.
With This Game of Thrones Candle, You Can Relive Joffrey's Death in a Less Horrifying Way
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you should already know by now that just making it through the series is a wild ride not for the faint of heart. From gut-wrenching deaths to game-changing plot twists, the last seven seasons of the show have been an emotional roller coaster of sorts to get through, which is why, whenever a plot line is wrapped up in a satisfying way, we tend to want to hold onto it and relive it as often as we can. That's where this glorious creation from Firebox comes in.
The Bleeding Joffrey Candle ($27), as it's called, is basically a subtle nod to what's arguably one of the most satisfying deaths of the entire series, when the evil King Joffrey Baratheon is finally killed off the show in a really, er, gruesome way. The white ceramic candle base is made to look like Joffrey and leaks red wax out of the eye and nose areas to resemble the blood that he loses after being poisoned by Olenna Tyrell at his wedding.
Head over to Firebox to grab a candle before they sell out - and while you're at it, you can pick up another one that resembles Eleven from Stranger Things.
Why Semana Santa Was More Than Spring Break in My Household
While most kids were on Spring Break enjoying a few days off from school, visiting their grandparents, or going somewhere warm, for me, in the Dominican Republic, it was about more than that. We didn't really have "Spring Break" per se, we had "Semana Santa," that week that starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday.
For my parents, it was very important to raise me and my siblings in the Catholic faith, and Semana Santa was the most important week of the year for that. It was the week when we celebrated Jesus's passion, death, and resurrection, and we had certain traditions to commemorate it.
When we were younger and school actually gave us the whole week off, my parents would pack up our stuff and we'd go away from Santo Domingo, where we lived, to a small house on a hill 30 minutes away from the city that my dad had built before he was with my mother. The house had a pool and a big backyard. That, along with my mom's CD collection and an old TV with no cable and only five local channels, was enough for us to spend the week. No internet, no smartphones, just real human connection.
We'd usually leave on Palm Sunday after the 11 a.m. mass and procession. We would walk along the procession and then sit through the whole mass, make our little cross with the palms, and listen to the whole passion of Jesus, the final period in his life beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, touching on the last supper, his agony in the garden, the arrest by the Sanhedrin priests, his trial before Pontius Pilate, and ending with his crucifixion and his death on Good Friday.
That would set the tone for the week. It was supposed to be a week of meditation, soul searching, and reflecting about our sins (as many as you can have as a kid). Even though we would host guests - typically my parents' friends and their children - it was mostly about spending time as a family.
My mom would "sneak out" and go to the city to help set up a "monument" at church for the last few days of Holy Week leading to Easter. The monument would be unveiled on Maundy Thursday and we'd go "church hopping" around the old part of the city, or Zona Colonial, to see what the other churches had done and join the crowd if there were any processions at night. Then we'd get "frío fríos" (shaved ice) at a bodega-style store called María La Turca, and retire back to our little house on the hill for the rest of the week.
During Friday and Saturday we weren't allowed to be rowdy. We had to stay calm and we'd listen to classical music and watch whatever movies about the life of Jesus they were broadcasting in the local TV channels. We were supposed to be "mourning" the death of Jesus. One thing that made the mourning process a bit more bearable, however, were my dad's famous "albóndigas de bacalao," or cod meatballs.
He'd desalt a pound of boneless cod, boil two pounds of potatoes, and grind all of that using a manual meat grinder. He'd add onions and vegetables to taste and would mix everything with his hands. After that, my dad would make small balls with the mixture, dip them in beaten eggs, and then fry them until they were golden. Eating these meatballs could only mean that it was lent, or that lent was coming to an end, similar to eating "habichuelas con dulce," or sweet cream of beans, which is a nationally accepted tradition, whereas these cod meatballs were more of a family one.
Then, on Easter Sunday, my mom would hide Easter eggs that we had decorated the night before all over the backyard (which was more of an American tradition that I never understood, but loved nonetheless). My siblings and I would go searching for them in our pajamas, and then have breakfast after we gathered all of them. After 11 a.m., we'd have people over for a barbecue by the pool. I'd help making the salad, we'd eat more habichuelas con dulce, and by 5 p.m., we would be all "recogidos" to head back to the city and make it to the 7 p.m. mass to close the whole week with "broche de oro."
While this might not seem very interesting for many, this one week a year became such an important tradition for us growing up. I don't consider myself to be super religious, but this was much more than that. It was a way for my parents to connect with us, to form a bond that is still strong to this day, to teach us the importance of having customs, to celebrate who we are and what we believe in, to take a moment and reflect on what we do, how we treat people, how we can be better and continue to grow. This was a way for them to show us that the family would always have our backs and support us, and that it would always be a safe space.
I remember when I was younger wanting to get out of spending Semana Santa so "secluded" and go to other places where my friends would be vacationing. But my parents didn't compromise - at least not during our most formative years. And now, although we all live in different parts of the world, we remain more united than ever. I cherish those moments we spent just the five of us, and while my parents stayed in the Dominican Republic, with me in the US, my sister in the UK, and my brother in Canada, we make it a point to have constant communication and be as present in each other's lives as we can. We have to get together, all of us, at least once a year, and holidays are nonnegotiable; and although we've become individuals who are very different, we still feel very much like a unit.
The way I perceive these religious celebrations and what I think about them might have changed now, but the feelings they evoke remain the same. Sometimes you might not be totally aligned with certain traditions, but you still take part in them because they remind you of home, they make you feel like you belong, and they bring back happy memories of simpler times.
Oh My '90s! Urban Outfitters Sells Totally Rad Inflatable Glitter Bubble Chairs
Are you ready to be overcome with '90s nostalgia? No, really. Mentally prepare yourself for a sudden transport back to the butterfly clip and Lisa Frank trapper-keeper days because Urban Outfitters sells a Trixie Inflatable Chair ($29, originally $39), just like the ones we remember from childhood.
Shoppers can choose between gold glitter, silver glitter, or clear bubble chairs, to add some flair to a TBT-themed room or party. They're basically an Instagram moment waiting to happen - just grab your platform sandals and pose! Keep reading to shop all three of the chair options for yourself, and embrace the shameless '90s vibe for all its worth.
Sophie Turner Talks With Dr. Phil About Her Depression: "I Love Myself Now"
Sophie Turner has lived a large portion of her life in the public eye. She's portrayed Game of Thrones character Sansa Stark since 2011, starting at the age of 15. As a now-23-year-old, Sophie recently opened up to Dr. Phil about depression and how she responded to negative criticism on social media regarding her GoT role.
"I would just believe it. I would say, 'Yeah, I am spotty. I am fat. I am a bad actress.' I would just believe it," Sophie explained on Dr. Phil's podcast Phil in the Blanks. "I would get [the costume department] to tighten my corset a lot. I just got very, very self-conscious."
"I had no motivation to do anything or go out. Even with my best friends, I wouldn't want to see them, I wouldn't want to go out and eat with them," she continued. "I just would cry and cry and cry over just getting changed and putting on clothes and be like, 'I can't do this. I can't go outside. I have nothing that I want to do.'"
Sophie sought therapy and treatment for her depression, which she's dealt with since age 17. She still battles with her biggest challenges, "getting out of bed" and "getting out of the house," but admitted she has reached a new level of self-acceptance.
"I love myself now, or more than I used to, I think. I don't think I love myself at all, but I'm now with someone that makes me realize, you know, that I do have some redeeming qualities I suppose," she said, and credited fiancée Joe Jonas with helping change her perspective. "When someone tells you they love you every day, it makes you really think about why that is, and I think it makes you love yourself a little bit more, so, yeah, I love myself."
If you are feeling anxious or depressed and need help finding help or resources, call the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (1-240-485-1001) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264)
Don't Mind Me, Just Out Here Salivating Over Krispy Kreme's New Fruit-Inspired Doughnuts
Much like us, Krispy Kreme is anxiously anticipating Summer's arrival with open (albeit sun-deprived) arms. Whereas I'm personally doing so by shoving my Winter coats far under my bed and online shopping for new bikinis, the doughnut joint is prepping for the impending seasonal switch-up by releasing a collection of fruit-inspired treats.
From May 6 through June 16, participating Krispy Kremes across the US will offer three new doughnut flavors - Pineapple, Key Lime, and Strawberry - all of which are shaped and decorated to resemble the actual fruits. The Pineapple Doughnut features that signature crisscrossing pattern and is bursting with tangy pineapple filling, the light green Key Lime flavor is chock-full of tart cream, and the heart-shaped Strawberry option is packed with red strawberry filling. Are you drooling yet?
Oh, and on top of these brightly colored treats, Krispy Kreme is also re-releasing its famed Lemon Glaze Doughnut to help foodies kick off Summer on a zesty note. But, just as the chain did last year, the popular flavor will only be available for one week, beginning April 22. Needless to say, our taste buds are more than ready.
The Game of Thrones Season 8 Soundtrack Will Include SZA, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and More
The Game of Thrones score, composed by musical genius Ramin Djawadi, has iconic songs like the show's pounding main theme and the haunting season six finale score, "Light of the Seven." Now the HBO series is getting a whole new set of songs to celebrate the imminent arrival of season eight from artists like SZA, Ellie Goulding, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and more.
Columbia Records and HBO announced in early April that an album, For The Throne, is on the way. It will include a ton of brand new tracks inspired by the fantasy series, marking the first time HBO has partnered with a major label to curate a soundtrack. We can only pray that a sampling of Daenerys screaming "Dracarys" makes it on to at least one of the songs. (Or, at the very least, we get a Shame Nun Remix of some sort.)
Curious about whose vocals you'll hear on the album? Check them out:
A$AP Rocky
Chloe X Halle
Ellie Goulding
Jacob Banks
James Arthur
Joey BadA$$
Lennon Stella
Lil Peep
Maren Morris
Matthew Bellamy
Mumford & Sons
Rosalía feat. A.CHAL
SZA
The Lumineers
The National
The Weeknd
Travis Scott
Ty Dolla $ign
X Ambassadors
Quite the lineup, eh? For The Throne is available for preorder now since it won't hit shelves until April 26. In the meantime, enjoy the album trailer, ahead.
The Game of Thrones Premiere Had Fans Giving One Underrated Character a Standing Ovation
The following post contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones season eight premiere.
I'm not sure if you've heard by now, but Game of Thrones is back, baby! After a nearly two-year-long break, the HBO drama made its long-awaited return to TV on Sunday night, and as we could've expected, there was A LOT of ground to cover to get the show back on the road.
Naturally, the internet wasn't short on memes and funny reactions to the season eight premiere. One particular moment that stood out to everyone occurs early on in the episode when Lyanna Mormont sums up her disapproval of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen's already-complicated relationship with a speech in front of all of the Northern nobles.
Her speech, in which she questions why Jon would give up his title of King in the North to bend the knee to Daenerys, garnered her a ton of praise from fans online who have essentially been wondering the exact same thing. Ahead, see how fans showed their appreciation for one of the show's most underrated characters.
Well, I'll Be Damned! The Dark Lord in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Is One Handsome Devil
Warning: In order to turn up the heat, I must release a few spoilers from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina season two. Proceed with caution.
After the second season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina hit Netflix, fans were left with a lot of questions . . . and a lot of thirst. The show's whole cast is fully of wickedly good-looking actors and actresses, but newcomer Luke Cook turned up the temperature a few notches with his steamy portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar. That's right, the Dark Lord makes an appearance in the last few episodes, and spoiler: he's hotter than hell.
Twitter users battled inner conflict over pledging their own loyalty to such a dark and dangerous character. He is the literal devil, after all. Yet, somehow, Cook makes being bad look so good. There's no confirmation if he'll make an appearance in season three, but it seems likely if Sabrina's able to follow through with her promise and to get Nick Scratch back. Keep reading to see how fans responded when they saw him emerge onscreen - in a loincloth, no less!
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but sometimes, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at the best gifts for those moments when you feel like he deserves something nice for no special reason at all.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White and Lauren Harano
We're Shocked at How These Face Wipes Remove Waterproof Makeup in Seconds
Maybe you just came home from a late night out with your friends. Maybe you put on more makeup than usual and know that removing it is going to take longer than you want it to. Whatever the reason, there are times you don't want to wash your face, and I understand that.
While I completely feel your pain, I admit I do end up washing my face in those scenarios, and I noticed that one beauty product made the process more bearable: the Hydro Peptide HydroActive Facial Cleansing Cloths ($20). While each of the pack's 30 wipes is gentle on the skin, it powerfully removes everything from waterproof mascara to a full-coverage foundation. It does so in just one clean sweep, while using a second cloth leaves you feeling as though you've cleaned the dirt and excess oils off your face and that you applied a skin-softening serum.
Full disclosure: they are a little on the pricier side when it comes to face wipes. A pack retails for about $20 - but if it gets me into my bed faster, I'd say it's worth every penny. See the makeup-removing cloths that pack a punch ahead.
Pickle Chips Made of Actual Pickles Are in the Works, and We Can Already Hear the Crunch
Pickle has become an It snack flavor the past few years, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Vlasic is introducing pickle chips - like, actual crunchy chips made solely of pickles - so you can really take your love of the briny cucumber to the next level. Food Business News announced the launch and revealed that Conagra Brands, the parent company of Vlasic and other brands, is coming out with the pickle chips in addition to snacks like Slim Jim Fried Pork Rinds.
The Original Dill Pickle Chips are "vacuum-fried" pickles packaged in snack-size bags, so they make for a convenient, low-calorie snack. A spokesperson for Conagra said the item is "still in development" and there is no release date, but the photo is enough to get excited about. Unlike Lay's pickle-flavored chips that were re-released this year, these pickle chips aren't made with potato.
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