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.
samedi 13 juin 2020
Llane Wants to Make Us Fall in Love “Como Antes,” and I Approve of the Chivalry
Llane is a man after our hearts. With a beautiful bolero mixed with modern Latin rhythms, the Colombian artist showed his versatility and vulnerability with his surprise drop "Como Antes," a tribute to romanticism that will make you believe in love again.
"I always dreamed to be able to do a song that mixed my own identity as an artist with classic Latin music elements," Llane told POPSUGAR. "In this case, bolero has been a genre I grew up listening to and loving, and now I get to combine it with the rhythms that have defined my career." He added that what he loves the most about this song is that it makes you feel a "positive nostalgia."
I always dreamed to be able to do a song that mixed my own identity as an artist with classic Latin music elements.
"Como Antes" was written about a year ago by Llane along with Ángel "Pututi" from Cuba and Cris Chil from Ecuador. Llane revealed that at the time he was in a relationship and this was the song to show that person how important they were to him. "I really wanted this person to understand how relevant they were," Llane said, "and I think that when you're saying that to someone, you have to do it with a masterpiece, and I think this song is a masterpiece."
While Llane is not with that person anymore, he thinks this song is perfect for all of those who need to show their significant other how much they mean to them, especially since the lyric is a "confession of vulnerability" and "opens your soul and shows you exactly the way you are."
The song comes accompanied by a seductive music video directed via FaceTime by Teo, who has already worked with Llane on "Más de Ti" and "Amor Bailando." Here, we see a romantic and enamored Llane, dressed formally but with his characteristic edge, preparing for an evening full of emotion and good music with candles and wine setting the mood.
"We shot the video here in my house," Llane said. He had the help from three of his closest team members who "created a new universe" in his home and did the camerawork, and the director called the shots over video call.
Llane revealed his inspiration behind the concept for this video was Frank Sinatra and old Hollywood films that "took fantasy to a new level." "I even cried while shooting the video," Llane said. "I really got into the character."
Llane reveals that he broke down during the shoot, because of the very aspects that made the song personal. This is his mom's favorite song, and in the arrangement, Llane added "philharmonic-type chords" that reminded him of his father. "My dad was a big proponent of culture in Sabaneta, where I grew up," he said. "Before he passed, he created a symphonic band. After he passed, they named the band Juan David Castaño Arango, after him."
"Como Antes" is a song that wasn't supposed to be released because, according to Llane, a lot of people thought it was too risky. But if he's learned anything from his time at home thanks to social distancing, it's to let go of your fears. "This is a before and after of my career," he said. "You know when your time is right, and I feel like this is my moment!"
Shopping For New Swimsuits? These 17 Black-Owned Brands Have You Covered
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, these Black-owned swimwear brands have you covered. Each one has its own unique aesthetic and a background story worth celebrating, all of which you'll learn about ahead. From Andrea Iyamah's artistic, statement-making bikinis to MissesBrie's curve-flattering one-pieces, there's something for everyone, no matter what your summer style may be. Keep reading for the full scoop on 17 of our favorite Black-owned swimsuit labels, and add them to your online shopping rotation.
Mariah is Saying “Gracias” and Moving on to Better Things in Her New Music Video
Maybe you've been there: you're in a relationship with a manipulative person who continues to hurt you in many ways, but can't seem to let them go - even though you know better and despite our loved ones' advice and concern. But once we finally realize our worth and we separate from that person for good, it feels like a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders and now we're unstoppable.
That's the vibe Mariah put into her new song, "Gracias," a ballad unlike what we're used to hearing from her, yet a nice surprise to come from Miami's newest princess. The song was a collaboration co-written and produced by rising Venezuelan newcomer Andry Kiddos, and continues positioning Mariah as Latin music's newest breakout star.
"'Gracias' is my form of manifesting liberation from the toxicity that a bad situation can cause on the soul and how we can walk away stronger and unbroken," Mariah said in a press release. "I hope it helps anyone who is going through a tough moment and needs the motivation to push through."
The music video, directed by José Emilio Sagaro, shows Mariah's most vulnerable side, with mostly close-up shots that reflect the internal turmoil she's going through, as she realizes she's a strong woman who is capable of creating her own happiness.
14 Reasons Slip Dresses Are Our Favorite '90s Trend
Slip dresses have gone from a nostalgic trend to a classic piece, and we couldn't be happier about it. The comfortable, easy to wear dress truly looks good on so many people. The trick is to find the colors and lengths that you love, but the style is universal, and proof that '90s fashion is here to stay. If you're in the mood for a new summer dress to brighten your mood and liven up your closet, go for these 14 picks.
From classic black dresses to vibrant colors and, of course, lots of tie-dye styles, these are the summer picks you're going to live in. No matter where you'll be this season, having a pretty slip dress on hand is always a good idea. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
Related: If Modern Farmhouse Were a Brand, It Would Look Like These LoveShackFancy Dresses
vendredi 12 juin 2020
This Mineral Underwear May Prevent You From Getting Uncomfortable Vaginal Infections
I've been on the quest to find cotton underwear that is great for my vagina but also cute and comfortable, which isn't as easy as it sounds. As I was doing research, someone pointed me in the direction of Huha, a sustainable brand of underwear designed to keep your vagina pH balanced.
When I read this, I instantly wondered how exactly a pair of underwear could balance one's pH levels. According to the Huha website, most underwear for people with vaginas are made with synthetic fabrics (like nylon, polyester, and polyamide) that aren't breathable and trap moisture. The trapped moisture can lead to bacteria growth, a disturbance of your pH balance, and even infections like bacterial vaginosis. To prevent bacterial growth and infections, Huha created underwear made from zinc-infused fabrics, which are supposed to be more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton underwear.
I know that's a bold claim for an underwear brand to make, which is why I reached out to an ob-gyn to get their thoughts and potentially save you some money. "In terms of vaginal health, the preferred fabrics for underwear would be ones that are breathable and natural. Most of the time, we recommend going with cotton because it's one of the easiest, natural fabrics to find," Heather Irobunda, MD, ob-gyn, told POPSUGAR.
As for the zinc-infused fabric of the Huha underwear, Dr. Irobunda said, "The zinc fabric may work for you, but as always, pay attention to how your body reacts to certain fabrics." So you'll definitely have to test them out for yourself. If you're not up for trying Huha and wondering if you can just buy zinc and apply it to your vagina, Dr. Irobunda said, "Zinc oxide should only be used externally, meaning it is not to be used inside of the vagina and I would not recommend its use on the vulva unless your medical provider directed you to use it there." She further explained that zinc is not used to fight bacteria or yeast that can lead to infection.
The Huha underwear is $64 for a three-pack ($21 for a single pair) which is comparable to more "luxury" and sustainable brands, and they range from XS to 2XL in sizing. These undies definitely seem like a good alternative to less breathable options, but since all of our vaginas are different, you'll have to test them out for yourself!
Real to the People Launches Free Mental Health Services For Black Women, People of Color, and Allies
Real, a membership-based organization for therapy and mental health services, launched Real to the People in March 2020 to offer free therapy services to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in the aftermath of the killings of Black Americans George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Nina Pop, among others, Real to the People is offering free group support sessions via large digital events that hold up to 400 people. These sessions are specifically for "Black womxn, people of color, and allies."
The group sessions are led by Real therapists Luisa Bonifacio and Naiyah Warren, and each is an hour long. The sessions will take place four times a week "for people to grieve, feel, connect, and process what they're going through," according to a press release. Taking care of your mental health is imperative, and Real to the People aims to make mental health care more accessible. The sessions start on June 5 and run for four weeks. Find the full schedule here, and visit the website to sign up and get more info. The sessions are as follows:
Free Group Therapy For Black Womxn: Friday, June 5, Friday, June 12, Friday, June 19, and Friday, June 26, 6-7 p.m. ET.
Real x Unplug Collective: Free Group Therapy For Young Black Womxn + Gender-Expansive People: Monday, June 8, Monday, June 15, Monday, June 22, and Monday, June 29, 2-3 p.m. ET.
Growth and Allyship: Free Group Therapy For Allies: Tuesday, June 9, Tuesday, June 16, Tuesday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 30, 6-7 p.m. ET.
Free Group Therapy For People of Color: Wednesday, June 10, Wednesday, June 17, Wednesday, June 24, and Wednesday, July 1, 6-7 p.m. ET.
Free digital group sessions are a great way to tend to your mental health, especially with many people still under shelter-in-place orders amid the pandemic. But if you feel like you need other help or resources, check out this guide on "44 Mental Health Resources For Black People Trying to Survive in This Country" from Self, and this guide on signing up for teletherapy during the coronavirus. Also, hotlines, while not a form of teletherapy, can also be useful; the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264) has resources available. Another important hotline is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741 for 24-hour crisis support.
5 Essential-Oil Balms and Roller Balls to Help Ease Headache Pain
When a headache arrives unexpectedly, whether it's due to a last-minute work deadline or your seasonal allergies acting up again, it helps to have some soothing reinforcements available at home. On top of storing an extra cold pack in the freezer, consider keeping one of these roller balms or balms on your desk or nightstand or in your makeup bag.
Made with calming and cooling essential oils, these five products can be applied to your temples, head, neck, or shoulders to help ease headache discomfort and reduce overall tension.
10 Family Movies Still Coming Out in 2020 That Your Kids Will Want to See
From sequels and remakes to a new Pixar flick that's sure to be a hit, so much is still on the schedule for 2020 in terms of new family movies hitting theaters or debuting on streaming services - so get ready to mark up your calendars with a bunch of family movie dates.
Keep scrolling to see which movies for kids are still hopefully coming out in 2020 and to watch their trailers (and see which movies are coming to Netflix this year!).
Related: Scoob! Is a Family-Friendly Dream, but Here Are 5 Things to Know If You Watch With Young Kids
Kelly Clarkson Has Filed For Divorce From Brandon Blackstock - Learn More About Their 4 Combined Kids
Kelly Clarkson has filed for divorce from her husband of nearly seven years, Brandon Blackstock. After marrying Brandon in 2013, Kelly became a stepmom to his two kids from a previous marriage, and the pair went on to have two children of their own.
Keep reading to learn more about Kelly and Brandon's four combined kids.
USWNT Players Want to Repeal an Anthem Policy Telling Players to "Stand Respectfully"
Image Source: Getty / Howard Smith / ISI Photos
Update, June 11: The US Soccer Federation (USSF) released a statement on June 10 saying that the board of directors voted to repeal the anthem policy requiring players to stand during the national anthem. "We have not done enough to listen - especially to our players - to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country," the statement reads. "We apologize to our players – especially our Black players - staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism." See the full statement here. The repeal will take effect immediately, according to ESPN, but it still needs to be voted on during the next annual general meeting in early 2021, where the policy will either be reinstated or the repeal will stay in place.
Original post: The US women's national soccer team is speaking out about a policy put in place by the US Soccer Federation (USSF) requiring players to "stand respectfully" during the national anthem. Though no player who violated the policy faced penalties after the policy was adopted in February 2017, emails obtained by BuzzFeed News showed that US Soccer initially sought to suspend any national team player who didn't stand for the anthem with a three-game suspension for a first offense and a 12-month suspension for a second offense.
In 2016, Megan Rapinoe started kneeling during the anthem prior to matches to show she supported San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who did the same before football games to bring awareness to police brutality and racial injustice in America. As Rapinoe wrote in The Players' Tribune at the time, "I haven't experienced over-policing, racial profiling, police brutality or the sight of a family member's body lying dead in the street. But I cannot stand idly by while there are people in this country who have had to deal with that kind of heartache."
After Rapinoe began kneeling at matches - but before the policy was passed - she was kept off the team roster for more than six months, though coach Jill Ellis insisted it was performance related. In March of 2017, one month after the policy was introduced, Rapinoe said she would stand for the anthem and was invited back to the national team camp. Kaepernick has gone unsigned since the 2016 season and filed a lawsuit against the NFL, claiming that they blacklisted him. The league denied this, and they reached a settlement in 2019.
The official account for the USWNT Players Association tweeted out a statement on June 8 that reads, in part, "We believe the Federation should immediately repeal the 'Anthem Policy,' publish a statement acknowledging the policy was wrong when it was adopted, and issue an apology to our Black players and supporters." The policy, they believe, continues to "perpetuate the misconceptions and fear that clouded the true meaning and significance of Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe and other athletes taking a knee - that Black people in America have not been and continue to not be afforded the same liberties and freedoms as white people and that policy brutality and systemic racism exist in this country." See the full statement ahead.
USWNT Player's statment re: @ussoccer's "Anthem Policy" pic.twitter.com/Jd4OtRDhRJ
- USWNT Players (@USWNTPlayers) June 9, 2020
Unions for the men's and women's national teams said they believed the anthem policy could never "formally apply" to players, according to BuzzFeed News, because USSF had not properly approved it with them. Still, they want the policy revoked. A lawyer for the men's national team union stated, "The Federation now absolutely needs to acknowledge they were wrong to issue it, to apologize for it, and rescind it."
A USSF board meeting took place on June 9 to discuss steps moving forward, but no decision was reached and a vote might be made during the group's regularly scheduled board meeting on Friday, according to The New York Times. If repealed, that decision would take effect immediately, ESPN reported, but it would need to be voted on during the next annual general meeting next February or March for a permanent repeal.
These Brides Had a True Modern Fairy-Tale Wedding, and It Was Beyond Gorgeous
Alicia and Tameka tied the knot last summer at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte, NC. The pair were practically beaming with joy on the big day. "Our wedding was one of the best days of my entire life," Alicia said. "We described our theme as 'modern fairy tale!' I wanted to be a princess at our wedding. I've always imagined getting married and wearing a ballgown." Their wedding definitely lived up to the theme. Alicia channeled her inner Cinderella and wore an ivory ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and embroidered bodice, while Tameka rocked a chic white suit with golden buttons.
The altar's background was on theme, featuring a large storybook with the phrases "Once Upon a Time . . ." and "Happily Ever After" written on it along with a large castle. The ceremony was absolutely stunning, and one of the highlights was Tameka's vows. Alicia describes Tameka as not much of a talker, so when she delivered these beautiful lines, there was not a dry eye in the room:
"You have loved me in times where I have struggled to love myself and for that I am forever grateful! You have pushed me to be a better partner and person. You have changed my life. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude for you, and how extremely fortunate I am that you have never given up on me."
Alicia and Tameka finished the night with a romantic kiss as shimmering gold confetti showered down on them, and photographer Casey Hendrickson was there to capture the magical day. Keep reading to see every beautiful moment of this fairy-tale wedding.
Related: These Brides Eloped on the Steps of the New York Public Library, and It Was Magic
This Fan-Led Bachelor Diversity Campaign Is Demanding ABC Make Some Pivotal Changes
Forty seasons, 18 years, and one Black lead. If those statistics sound familiar to you, you're probably a fan of The Bachelor. It's also the phrase at the center of a recent campaign launched by a group of fans who are tired of the franchise's blatant lack of diversity and are demanding change. Titled The Bachelor Diversity Campaign, the organization's mission is to hold the beloved franchise accountable for BIPOC representation and antiracism.
Related: It's Been 18 Years, and the Bachelor Franchise Hasn't Done Much to Improve Its Diversity Issue
On June 8, the campaign launched a petition titled "A Campaign for Anti-Racism in the Bachelor Franchise," which features 13 calls to action, including casting a Black lead in season 25 (season 16 of The Bachelorette has already cast Clare Crawley), casting BIPOC for "at least 35 percent of contestants" while giving them equitable screen time, hiring a BIPOC diversity consultant, and properly vetting new contestants to prevent anyone who has promoted prejudice ("e.g. ableism, racism, sexism, white supremacy, religious intolerance, homophobia, transphobia") from being cast.
Considering how social media has been a frequent problem for the franchise lately, a thorough scrub through contestants' accounts is truly the least production can do. Just to name a few incidents in recent Bachelor past: Lee Garrett was exposed for tweeting a string of racist and sexist remarks during Rachel Lindsay's season, Garrett Yrigoyen "liked" social media posts that mocked feminists and transgender people, and Victoria Fuller was involved in a controversial photo shoot. Not a good look for the franchise by far.
The campaign organizers describe themselves as a group of "diverse fans who united in a Bachelor fan group with the shared mission to increase BIPOC representation within the Bachelor franchise."
"We believe that the national conversation should be focused on black lives, but at this moment where diversity issues have been brought to the forefront, our support has to extend beyond a symbolic gesture or a single social media post," Ria Ali, a 32-year-old lawyer from Massachusetts who helped form the campaign, told The LA Times. "The Bachelor is something in our daily lives that we spend time with and enjoy, and we feel we have to make that place as diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the principles of anti-racism that we are marching for and donating to."
The campaign sprung into action on the same day as the debut of The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons-Ever, the franchise's latest installment. The show airs one new three-hour episode a week that highlights a past season, and kicked off by featuring Sean Lowe's journey to finding love. As Lindsay - the sole Black lead noted in the campaign's slogan - said in a blog post addressing the franchise's lack of diversity on Monday, "make sure you tune in on Mondays for all the white reasons to watch The Bachelor: Greatest Seasons Ever as it will weekly highlight the very thing that is wrong with this franchise."
Related: 7 Things The Bachelor Needs to Do in Order to Be Good Again (or at Least Not Awful)
At the time of publication, the petition has sailed past its initial goal of 50K signatures and now has almost 76K names signed. A new goal of 150K has been set with several franchise cast members sharing the campaign on their social media accounts, including Lindsay, Tyler Cameron, Nick Viall, Bibiana Julian, Evan Bass, Jubilee Sharpe, Chris Bukowski, Onyeka Ehie, Mykenna Dorn, and Marquel Martin. Only time will tell if The Bachelor franchise is here for the right reasons.
ABC Reveals the Franchise's First Black Bachelor Well Ahead of His Season: Meet Matt James
We haven't even gotten to Clare Crawley's season of The Bachelorette yet, but we already know who's moving into the Bachelor mansion after her. On Friday, June 12, ABC announced their lead for season 25 of The Bachelor well ahead of schedule, but thankfully, it's a familiar face for Bachelor Nation. Say hello to the new Bachelor, Matt James, looking for love and making history while doing so!
The 28-year-old real estate broker was initially meant to feature in Crawley's season as one of her contestants, though Bachelor Nation has known him as Tyler Cameron's longtime best friend, roommate, and business partner for longer. The two of them run the charity ABC Food Tours together, and they're as likely to be spotted goofing off on Instagram as promoting their charity work. Cameron actually predicted James's big role in the Bachelor franchise in 2019 when People asked him who he'd choose to be the next Bachelor. "I can't wait to watch [Matt] next year," he joked. "I know my mom signed him up." Talk about manifesting the future!
"Matt has been on our radar since February, when producers first approached him to join Bachelor Nation, as part of Clare's season. When filming couldn't move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor," ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said in a statement announcing the casting. "We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we're seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in and we are proudly in service to our audience. This is just the beginning and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him."
The news of James's casting comes amid cries of the Bachelor franchise's blatant lack of diversity. James will be the first Black Bachelor in its entire 18-year-history and the second Black lead in the franchise, following Rachel Lindsay, who was season 13's Bachelorette. Lindsay has been among the people demanding that the ABC franchise acknowledge their system is not designed for people of color and make changes to their production. Fans have even begun a Bachelor Diversity Campaign to hold the beloved franchise accountable for BIPOC representation and antiracism. While James's casting takes care of one huge point (casting a Black lead), the franchise has plenty more actions to take before fans are satisfied.
When asked on Friday's Good Morning America if he thinks his casting marks a turning point for the franchise, James said, "I think it's a step in the right direction. When Rachel speaks, we listen. She has a very important voice in all of this, being the [first Black Bachelorette], so I think we're all following suit in that conversation, and hopefully, this is the first of many Black men to be in the position that I'm at now."
ABC Reveals the Franchise's First Black Bachelor Well Ahead of His Season: Meet Matt James
We haven't even gotten to Clare Crawley's season of The Bachelorette yet, but we already know who's moving into the Bachelor mansion after her. On Friday, June 12, ABC announced their lead for season 25 of The Bachelor well ahead of schedule, but thankfully, it's a familiar face for Bachelor Nation. Say hello to the new Bachelor, Matt James, looking for love and making history while doing so!
The 28-year-old real estate broker was initially meant to feature in Crawley's season as one of her contestants, though Bachelor Nation has known him as Tyler Cameron's longtime best friend, roommate, and business partner for longer. The two of them run the charity ABC Food Tours together, and they're as likely to be spotted goofing off on Instagram as promoting their charity work. Cameron actually predicted James's big role in the Bachelor franchise in 2019 when People asked him who he'd choose to be the next Bachelor. "I can't wait to watch [Matt] next year," he joked. "I know my mom signed him up." Talk about manifesting the future!
"Matt has been on our radar since February, when producers first approached him to join Bachelor Nation, as part of Clare's season. When filming couldn't move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor," ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said in a statement announcing the casting. "We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we're seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in and we are proudly in service to our audience. This is just the beginning and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him."
The news of James's casting comes amid cries of the Bachelor franchise's blatant lack of diversity. James will be the first Black Bachelor in its entire 18-year-history and the second Black lead in the franchise, following Rachel Lindsay, who was season 13's Bachelorette. Lindsay has been among the people demanding that the ABC franchise acknowledge their system is not designed for people of color and make changes to their production. Fans have even begun a Bachelor Diversity Campaign to hold the beloved franchise accountable for BIPOC representation and antiracism. While James's casting takes care of one huge point (casting a Black lead), the franchise has plenty more actions to take before fans are satisfied.
When asked on Friday's Good Morning America if he thinks his casting marks a turning point for the franchise, James said, "I think it's a step in the right direction. When Rachel speaks, we listen. She has a very important voice in all of this, being the [first Black Bachelorette], so I think we're all following suit in that conversation, and hopefully, this is the first of many Black men to be in the position that I'm at now."
These Brides Had a True Modern Fairy-Tale Wedding, and It Was Beyond Gorgeous
Alicia and Tameka tied the knot last summer at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte, NC. The pair were practically beaming with joy on the big day. "Our wedding was one of the best days of my entire life," Alicia said. "We described our theme as 'modern fairy tale!' I wanted to be a princess at our wedding. I've always imagined getting married and wearing a ballgown." Their wedding definitely lived up to the theme. Alicia channeled her inner Cinderella and wore an ivory ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and embroidered bodice, while Tameka rocked a chic white suit with golden buttons.
The altar's background was on theme, featuring a large storybook with the phrases "Once Upon a Time . . ." and "Happily Ever After" written on it along with a large castle. The ceremony was absolutely stunning, and one of the highlights was Tameka's vows. Alicia describes Tameka as not much of a talker, so when she delivered these beautiful lines, there was not a dry eye in the room:
"You have loved me in times where I have struggled to love myself and for that I am forever grateful! You have pushed me to be a better partner and person. You have changed my life. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude for you, and how extremely fortunate I am that you have never given up on me."
Alicia and Tameka finished the night with a romantic kiss as shimmering gold confetti showered down on them, and photographer Casey Hendrickson was there to capture the magical day. Keep reading to see every beautiful moment of this fairy-tale wedding.
Related: These Brides Eloped on the Steps of the New York Public Library, and It Was Magic
These Brides Had a True Modern Fairy-Tale Wedding, and It Was Beyond Gorgeous
Alicia and Tameka tied the knot last summer at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte, NC. The pair were practically beaming with joy on the big day. "Our wedding was one of the best days of my entire life," Alicia said. "We described our theme as 'modern fairy tale!' I wanted to be a princess at our wedding. I've always imagined getting married and wearing a ballgown." Their wedding definitely lived up to the theme. Alicia channeled her inner Cinderella and wore an ivory ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and embroidered bodice, while Tameka rocked a chic white suit with golden buttons.
The altar's background was on theme, featuring a large storybook with the phrases "Once Upon a Time . . ." and "Happily Ever After" written on it along with a large castle. The ceremony was absolutely stunning, and one of the highlights was Tameka's vows. Alicia describes Tameka as not much of a talker, so when she delivered these beautiful lines, there was not a dry eye in the room:
"You have loved me in times where I have struggled to love myself and for that I am forever grateful! You have pushed me to be a better partner and person. You have changed my life. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude for you, and how extremely fortunate I am that you have never given up on me."
Alicia and Tameka finished the night with a romantic kiss as shimmering gold confetti showered down on them, and photographer Casey Hendrickson was there to capture the magical day. Keep reading to see every beautiful moment of this fairy-tale wedding.
Related: These Brides Eloped on the Steps of the New York Public Library, and It Was Magic
5 Tips For Avoiding Injuries on Trail Runs
Running a 5K on a rocky trail in the middle of the woods is a completely different experience than hitting a local track for a 3.1-mile jog.
Besides the obvious perks - the canopy of trees and the soothing sounds of nature - trail running terrain presents different obstacles that are important to prep for to prevent injuries, especially if you're brand new to the sport.
So, for the essential info on avoiding injuries while trail running as a beginner, we turned to ultrarunner and Merrell athlete Mirna Valerio.
From wearing the right footwear to the importance of getting familiar with and walking local trails before picking up your speed and running, check out Valerio's top tips below.
Get Familiar With the Trails
"To train for trail running, you should run and hike on trails," Valerio says. "It's such a different sport than road running that taking some extra care to prepare yourself for trail running would be very beneficial."
For example, Valerio says that training on the actual running trails "will help you strengthen not only the big muscle groups involved in running, but it will help all of those smaller foot muscles, ligaments, and tendons to help you maintain your stability and flexibility on uneven terrain."
Learn How to Read a Trail Map
Even if you only plan on running on a well-marked trail, it's not a bad idea to get skilled at reading a trail map - Valerio also recommends learning how to use a compass.
"Learn a few things about basic survival out in the woods. Familiarize yourself with the 10 Essentials of Hiking and Camping, especially if you'll be out for more than a couple of miles," Valerio adds.
Wear the Right Gear
Before you lace-up your cross-training sneakers, know that the terrain of your trail might dictate what shoes you wear.
For example, Valerio says if you're on a trail free of rocks, bounders, and roots sticking out from the ground, a road shoe could work. But, if your trail isn't smooth at all, she suggests a pair of trail running shoes with lugs to prevent slipping in wet areas and to grip rocks. Though, Valerio does add that falling can really happen anyway.
When shopping for trail running shoes, Valerio suggests checking out Merrell's selection - specifically MTL Skyfire and Antora.
Stay Hydrated
Be conscientious about your fluid intake - and be sure to keep your body fueled.
"If you don't eat or drink enough, you may get sluggish, your form might be off, and you will be more likely to fall or trip - not being able to recover," Valerio says.
"Make sure you eat and drink as needed. Practice carrying your own hydration and food in a pack or belt."
Take Your Time and Listen to Your Body
Really, this goes for any form of exercise - that's how important this tip truly is!
Instead of sprinting, Valerio suggests taking your time on the trails to prevent injury. Remember: listen to your body's cues.
When trail running, Valerio also mentions that your brain memorizes what's ahead, so you don't have to constantly look up or down at your feet. "Trust that your body remembers, and go with the flow," she says.
Instead, concentrating on looking ahead to prevent getting hit with branches. "I have definitely had my eye poked more than once by a pesky branch," she adds.
I Used a Yoga and Meditation App as My Alarm For 2 Weeks, and It Changed Everything
Like many people these days, I'm feeling pretty anxious. It's currently from a mix of stress from multiple jobs, having to move three times this summer, starting grad school in the fall, and of course, the threat of a global pandemic. And while I always remind myself that life could be a whole lot worse - I can just hear Kourtney Kardashian saying, "Kim, there's people that are dying" - sometimes you need to take some action to feel calm and centered.
Right as this stress started piling up, something beautiful happened . . . and in none other than my Twitter DMs (this is probably the first and last time I'll ever be able to say that). When Lizzie Brown, CEO and cofounder of the Yoga Wake Up app, reached out to me to talk about her app, it sounded perfect for me. As a yoga-lover and a perpetually stressed-out person with irregular sleep patterns, it seemed like this app was created with people like me in mind.
Yoga Wake Up is an audio-guided yoga and meditation app with hundreds of sessions that are updated weekly and range from five to 15 minutes in length. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was content catered specifically to coronavirus-related anxiety. They also drastically lowered their subscription prices to be more accessible right now, to just $35 per year. With programs for the morning (while you're in bed, or to get you out of bed), afternoon (to get you through that midday slump), and evening (for bedtime relaxation), and categories like mood, goals, and family, I was quickly able to find instructors whose styles I connected with.
Related: This Meditation Takes Just a Few Minutes and Helps Me Drift Off to Sleep Every Time
While there's obviously yoga involved, sessions feel very meditation-based, which I found to be ideal. Here's why: there's no video component. Now, before you groan and leave me no choice but to get on my soap box and talk about screen addiction, hear me out. One of the best parts of this app is that it requires very little time on your device. Since there aren't any super complex moves, it's easy to follow along audibly, and stay present in your body without visual distractions. All you have to do is go into the app and pick something to listen to, or schedule alarms for any day of the week. (Pro tip: you have to open the app at night for your alarm to go off in the morning.)
Taking the time to get in a positive headspace and stretch out my body helped me set an intention that carried me throughout the day.
When I first got the app, I decided to fully commit and set alarms for the days I'd be working, which was every day but Saturday, and see if I'd feel a difference without it. Spoiler: I did, and in a huge way. Taking the time to get in a positive headspace and stretch out my body helped me set an intention that carried me throughout the day. I caught myself saying the affirmations I'd heard in the morning in my head when I was feeling overwhelmed. By the time Saturday rolled around, I woke up at the time my alarm would have gone off. Not once have I naturally woken up at 8 a.m.
I've always dreamed of becoming a morning person, but since I'm constantly sleepy (especially after quitting my out-of-control coffee habit), I'd made peace with the fact that it would never be in the cards for me. But then week two of this experiment happened. I started getting up at 7:30 a.m. because I wanted to keep moving after my meditations, and the extra half hour gave me the time to practice yoga on my back patio - yet another thing I'd wanted to do but never did. The biggest change of all was that I started thinking about developing my sense of agency.
Personality changes with age. You see more, experience more, make mistakes, reflect, adapt. Over time, I've become much less emotional because it made life easier, but it also made me lose my ability to make decisions confidently. When the world is so full of structure and order and other opinionated people, it isn't hard to let someone else call the shots. But in the midst of a global pandemic, everything feels unknown, and we have no choice but to rely on ourselves. Through meditation, I was reminded that when all the outside noise isn't there, we're left to trust, hear, and act ourselves. Now more than ever, that's all we can do.
In these uncertain times, we need to let go of the things we can't control and focus on the things we can. Not only do we need to, but we get to. We get to wake up every day and decide that we're going to make the best of what we have, and do everything we can to stay healthy, physically and mentally. If you need help setting that positive intention in the morning, like I do, try Yoga Wake Up. You won't regret it.
Artemis Fowl Is Finally on Disney Plus! Here's What Parents Should Know Before Watching
Artemis Fowl is finally being released on Disney+ after being rescheduled from last August and then pushed back to even later this year due to the pandemic. But reader, it was worth the wait! The movie, which is based off the first book of the bestselling series of the same name by Eoin Colfer, is about 12-year-old genius Artemis who is trying to find out what happened to his father after he mysteriously disappeared and is being exposed by the media as a criminal. The movie has several notable differences from the book, but the basic story remains: Artemis discovers the existence of an ancient fairy civilization that lives in an underground world, and he knows they are somehow connected to his father's capture.
What results from this discovery is a mission filled with moments of peril and danger, some of which aren't necessarily suited for your younger elementary kids and toddlers. If you plan on watching this new release when it hits Disney+ on June 12, keep reading for what you should know prior to pressing play with your kids, especially if they're more sensitive to hectic action scenes in movies.
What Parents Should Know Before Watching Artemis Fowl With Their Kids
- There's plenty of violence, as well as the use of weapons both physical and mental. Both the faires and Artemis wield weapons at various points in the film, including blaster guns and a sleeping dart gun; plus, the fairies have the technology to wipe the memories of humans and also control their minds through eye contact. In terms of violence, there are a bunch of fight scenes, an explosion in a prison, and a violent troll who is said to be able to eat a human in under three seconds ("a fairy in less than one.")
- The characters are constantly in peril. In conjunction with the aforementioned violence, many of our characters are consistently in danger. The troll first poses a threat to civilians at a wedding - it throws a young girl clean across a village square and destroys the entire reception setting while harming guests in the process. Then later, the troll is unleashed at Fowl Manor, Artemis's mansion, and injures all of the characters in one way, shape, or form, and nearly kills one of them (for a second there, you really believe that they are going to die).
- The plot is sometimes confusing to follow. Aside from the fast-paced action scenes, some of the slower scenes are tough to follow, as so much of what Artemis discovers about the fairy world is fictional. Lots of concepts are introduced and could be confusing for younger viewers to follow along with, especially if they haven't read the book.
- There are some creepy moments involving one of the villains, Opal, and Josh Gad's character, Mulch Diggums. One of the villains of this first movie, Opal, who has captured Artemis's father, speaks with a sinister voice and is only ever seen with a creepy bright green light emanating out of their face, which hides their identity. Additionally, Mulch Diggums, a dwarf and kleptomaniac who lives in the fairy world - and who is telling Artemis's story from a prison interrogation room - specializes in digging tunnels . . . with his mouth. In order to dig, Mulch dislocates his jaw and pulls it down to his neck, which causes his whole mouth to widen. It's not a huge deal, but it's definitely unpleasant; he even mentions to an off-camera character that if they get squeamish, they should look away before he goes ahead and casually unhinges his jaw. It's something to behold, for sure.
TL;DR: Artemis Fowl is an action-packed movie that's appropriate for most kids and tweens, but you know your kids best, so if they're sensitive to jumpy moments, characters in peril, or movie violence, just prep them beforehand and assure them that in the end, everything works out for Artemis and his friends. And if your kids don't want to watch it with you, you'll still be entertained by the film's plot, as well as Josh Gad's constant comic relief and his more adult, blink-and-you'll-miss-it one-liners.
5 Tips For Avoiding Injuries on Trail Runs
Running a 5K on a rocky trail in the middle of the woods is a completely different experience than hitting a local track for a 3.1-mile jog.
Besides the obvious perks - the canopy of trees and the soothing sounds of nature - trail running terrain presents different obstacles that are important to prep for to prevent injuries, especially if you're brand new to the sport.
So, for the essential info on avoiding injuries while trail running as a beginner, we turned to ultrarunner and Merrell athlete Mirna Valerio.
From wearing the right footwear to the importance of getting familiar with and walking local trails before picking up your speed and running, check out Valerio's top tips below.
Get Familiar With the Trails
"To train for trail running, you should run and hike on trails," Valerio says. "It's such a different sport than road running that taking some extra care to prepare yourself for trail running would be very beneficial."
For example, Valerio says that training on the actual running trails "will help you strengthen not only the big muscle groups involved in running, but it will help all of those smaller foot muscles, ligaments, and tendons to help you maintain your stability and flexibility on uneven terrain."
Related: 5 Tips to Help You Transition From Road to Trail Running
Learn How to Read a Trail Map
Even if you only plan on running on a well-marked trail, it's not a bad idea to get skilled at reading a trail map - Valerio also recommends learning how to use a compass.
"Learn a few things about basic survival out in the woods. Familiarize yourself with the 10 Essentials of Hiking and Camping, especially if you'll be out for more than a couple of miles," Valerio adds.
Wear the Right Gear
Before you lace-up your cross-training sneakers, know that the terrain of your trail might dictate what shoes you wear.
For example, Valerio says if you're on a trail free of rocks, bounders, and roots sticking out from the ground, a road shoe could work. But, if your trail isn't smooth at all, she suggests a pair of trail running shoes with lugs to prevent slipping in wet areas and to grip rocks. Though, Valerio does add that falling can really happen anyway.
When shopping for trail running shoes, Valerio suggests checking out Merrell's selection - specifically MTL Skyfire and Antora.
Stay Hydrated
Be conscientious about your fluid intake - and be sure to keep your body fueled.
"If you don't eat or drink enough, you may get sluggish, your form might be off, and you will be more likely to fall or trip - not being able to recover," Valerio says.
"Make sure you eat and drink as needed. Practice carrying your own hydration and food in a pack or belt."
Related: A Toned Backside and 4 Other Benefits of Trail Running
Take Your Time and Listen to Your Body
Really, this goes for any form of exercise - that's how important this tip truly is!
Instead of sprinting, Valerio suggests taking your time on the trails to prevent injury. Remember: listen to your body's cues.
When trail running, Valerio also mentions that your brain memorizes what's ahead, so you don't have to constantly look up or down at your feet. "Trust that your body remembers, and go with the flow," she says.
Instead, concentrating on looking ahead to prevent getting hit with branches. "I have definitely had my eye poked more than once by a pesky branch," she adds.
I Used a Yoga and Meditation App as My Alarm For 2 Weeks, and It Changed Everything
Like many people these days, I'm feeling pretty anxious. It's currently from a mix of stress from multiple jobs, having to move three times this summer, starting grad school in the fall, and of course, the threat of a global pandemic. And while I always remind myself that life could be a whole lot worse - I can just hear Kourtney Kardashian saying, "Kim, there's people that are dying" - sometimes you need to take some action to feel calm and centered.
Right as this stress started piling up, something beautiful happened . . . and in none other than my Twitter DMs (this is probably the first and last time I'll ever be able to say that). When Lizzie Brown, CEO and cofounder of the Yoga Wake Up app, reached out to me to talk about her app, it sounded perfect for me. As a yoga-lover and a perpetually stressed-out person with irregular sleep patterns, it seemed like this app was created with people like me in mind.
Yoga Wake Up is an audio-guided yoga and meditation app with hundreds of sessions that are updated weekly and range from five to 15 minutes in length. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was content catered specifically to coronavirus-related anxiety. They also drastically lowered their subscription prices to be more accessible right now, to just $35 per year. With programs for the morning (while you're in bed, or to get you out of bed), afternoon (to get you through that midday slump), and evening (for bedtime relaxation), and categories like mood, goals, and family, I was quickly able to find instructors whose styles I connected with.
Related: This Meditation Takes Just a Few Minutes and Helps Me Drift Off to Sleep Every Time
While there's obviously yoga involved, sessions feel very meditation-based, which I found to be ideal. Here's why: there's no video component. Now, before you groan and leave me no choice but to get on my soap box and talk about screen addiction, hear me out. One of the best parts of this app is that it requires very little time on your device. Since there aren't any super complex moves, it's easy to follow along audibly, and stay present in your body without visual distractions. All you have to do is go into the app and pick something to listen to, or schedule alarms for any day of the week. (Pro tip: you have to open the app at night for your alarm to go off in the morning.)
Taking the time to get in a positive headspace and stretch out my body helped me set an intention that carried me throughout the day.
When I first got the app, I decided to fully commit and set alarms for the days I'd be working, which was every day but Saturday, and see if I'd feel a difference without it. Spoiler: I did, and in a huge way. Taking the time to get in a positive headspace and stretch out my body helped me set an intention that carried me throughout the day. I caught myself saying the affirmations I'd heard in the morning in my head when I was feeling overwhelmed. By the time Saturday rolled around, I woke up at the time my alarm would have gone off. Not once have I naturally woken up at 8 a.m.
I've always dreamed of becoming a morning person, but since I'm constantly sleepy (especially after quitting my out-of-control coffee habit), I'd made peace with the fact that it would never be in the cards for me. But then week two of this experiment happened. I started getting up at 7:30 a.m. because I wanted to keep moving after my meditations, and the extra half hour gave me the time to practice yoga on my back patio - yet another thing I'd wanted to do but never did. The biggest change of all was that I started thinking about developing my sense of agency.
Personality changes with age. You see more, experience more, make mistakes, reflect, adapt. Over time, I've become much less emotional because it made life easier, but it also made me lose my ability to make decisions confidently. When the world is so full of structure and order and other opinionated people, it isn't hard to let someone else call the shots. But in the midst of a global pandemic, everything feels unknown, and we have no choice but to rely on ourselves. Through meditation, I was reminded that when all the outside noise isn't there, we're left to trust, hear, and act ourselves. Now more than ever, that's all we can do.
In these uncertain times, we need to let go of the things we can't control and focus on the things we can. Not only do we need to, but we get to. We get to wake up every day and decide that we're going to make the best of what we have, and do everything we can to stay healthy, physically and mentally. If you need help setting that positive intention in the morning, like I do, try Yoga Wake Up. You won't regret it.
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