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 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 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.
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.
We're always on the hunt for great new workout clothes that are sweat-wicking, comfortable, versatile, and easy to style. There's nothing more annoying than realizing you wore your barre leggings for a HIIT session, so we like it when clothes can take us anywhere we need to go. Plus, we want functional athletic wear, but that shouldn't come at the expense of it looking good on. We want to feel our best when we're looking in the mirror midworkout, and that means having a cute outfit that can handle our sweat sessions. One of our favorite brands that checks all our boxes? Alo.
Filled with soft fabrics, technical designs, and the cutest colorways, this is one brand you won't be able to stop shopping. The brand makes workout clothes that are ideal for your yoga session, working from home, and hanging out on the weekends. It makes some of our absolute favorite leggings and tanks, plus there's a pair of bike shorts we've been dying to try. All that's left to do is schedule your next workout!
If there's one thing that gets us excited for a new season, it's when Bath & Body Works drops a new collection. This year's fall releases definitely don't disappoint, with delicious scents that already have us dreaming of yummy pumpkin goodies and that crisp fall air.
From sweet autumn scents like Pumpkin Apple and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin to fresh, muskier flavors like Flannel and Frozen Lake, the Bath & Body Works website features over 20 new candle scents and various wallflower plugs that sit under its fall collection. But according to the website, the products currently available are just a preview and a "first taste" of the season, so we can expect more scents and products to follow. Ahead, check out the brand's newest fall candles, and get ready to swap out those summery scents for some of the warm, spicy candles below.
Whether you're the person who needs the trendiest set every season or the one who prefers to keep it classic, 2020 is your year, because there's a perfect swimsuit for everyone. And no matter what style you choose, you're going to look amazing. But, if you want to get specific, there are a few styles we love that are guaranteed to turn heads. Firstly, we found some picks that prove one-pieces can be super sexy. Second, if you're going to go with a bikini, pick one that makes you feel awesome, whether that's a cheeky style or a high-waisted bottom.
We're shopping for swimsuits now, because it's the middle of summer, and there's really no better time. Whether you live by the beach or will be in your backyard for the season, treat yourself to a new suit. You can't go wrong with any of these 28 options; keep reading to shop our picks!
Whether you're the person who needs the trendiest set every season or the one who prefers to keep it classic, 2020 is your year, because there's a perfect swimsuit for everyone. And no matter what style you choose, you're going to look amazing. But, if you want to get specific, there are a few styles we love that are guaranteed to turn heads. Firstly, we found some picks that prove one-pieces can be super sexy. Second, if you're going to go with a bikini, pick one that makes you feel awesome, whether that's a cheeky style or a high-waisted bottom.
We're shopping for swimsuits now, because it's the middle of summer, and there's really no better time. Whether you live by the beach or will be in your backyard for the season, treat yourself to a new suit. You can't go wrong with any of these 28 options; keep reading to shop our picks!
Protecting your skin from UV rays is an important step in any skin-care routine all year long, but in the summer months - when sitting in the sun for hours at a time isn't out of the norm - it's vital to apply (and reapply) your sunscreen - especially on tattooed skin. Without proper protection, the sun can dull a tattoo's colors and cause it to fade much quicker over time, effectively ruining the tat you likely spent a pretty penny on.
To ensure that your tattoo is protected from the sun, all you need is a safe lotion or spray sunscreen that, spoiler alert, you can use on the rest of your body. That's right, tattoos - whether super tiny or covering your entire body - don't need anything special when it comes to sun care, so whatever you use on your body is perfect for coating your ink with.
That said, based on effectiveness, price, and user reviews, we've rounded up some of the best sunscreens on the market for all skin tones and types to help protect all of your skin from the sun's harmful (but oh-so-sweet) rays. And if you're more into physical blockers, like zinc oxide, we've got you covered there, too.
- Additional reporting by Aimee Simeon and Alaina Demopoulos
I've spent a majority of my life battling hormonal acne and trying to combat breakouts. For so long, I used all the wrong products, but eventually, I was introduced to Drunk Elephant and fell in love with its hydrating serum. Since then, I've been a total convert, and I'm a fan of a number of the brand's bestsellers. I'm not alone, either; its massive following and ever-evolving product line is continuously growing. A number of my friends and coworkers often ask me about the brand and if it's actually worth the hype. So if you're wondering the same, then you've come to the right place.
Ahead, I curated a list of a few of my absolute must haves in addition to some of its top-rated picks. I've tried almost every product in the line and have been super impressed with the results. The brand only uses ingredients backed by scientific research to improve your skin, which makes the splurge easier to justify. Keep reading to shop everything from its newest face mask to its most popular serum - you won't regret it.
Face and body piercings are getting more creative by the second, and it's almost as if we see a new piercing trend popping up on our explore pages every other day. In recent weeks, we've been pretty fixated on the Dahlia piercing, a double facial piercing on both sides of the mouth that - as you probably could have guessed - gets its name from a rather dark moment in history. (More on that later.)
Dahlia piercings are rising in popularity, and if you're considering getting one, make sure to do your research on the risks associated with it as you would any other piercing. If you're interested in learning all things Dahlia piercings, we spoke to Vicki Rose, a professional body piercer at New York City's Studio 28 Tattoos, who shared some information on a few things you should know before getting one.
During the warmer months, mixing up a thirst-quenching tropical drink is a fantastic way to keep your palate refreshed while enjoying endless days of sunshine. If you're a fan of coconut and pineapple, these tasty fruits can be blended together to create the perfect cocktail: the piña colada. While alcohol can be dehydrating, there are other creative ways to enhance this classic summer drink. Skip the booze and create a CBD colada!
This CBD colada is smooth, creamy, and delicious. It's also easy to make with just fresh-cut pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and hemp-derived CBD. Because this drink contains zero alcohol, it has fewer calories than the standard piña colada, plus it won't leave you with a hangover. Cheers to that!
If you're new to mixing CBD into blended drinks, don't worry - it's incredibly simple. As long as you have your favorite unflavored CBD tincture on hand, simply add your preferred dose into the blender with the other ingredients and blend away! Unlike THC, when consuming CBD, you don't need to worry about getting high because cannabidiol is nonpsychotropic. However, start on the lower side of the dosage range (between 2.5 to 25 milligrams CBD per drink), especially if you're new to CBD. And always speak with your healthcare provider before mixing CBD with other medications, which is not recommended.
I hope you're ready to make this refreshing CBD-infused drink! Keep reading for the recipe.
CBD Colada
By Jamie Evans, Founder of The Herb Somm and Author of The Ultimate Guide to CBD
Notes
For best results, use a full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD tincture of your choice at your preferred dose. Just be sure the tincture is unflavored so it doesn’t compromise the flavor of the drink.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh organic pineapple, skin removed and cut into cubes
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons cream of coconut (Coco Lopez recommended)
1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 dropper full (or your preferred dose) unflavored full-spectrum hemp CBD oil tincture
1 cup ice
Garnish with a pineapple leaf, slice of pineapple, and a pink flower and/or fresh-cut hemp leaf
Directions
Combine the fresh-cut pineapple, pineapple juice, unsweetened coconut milk, cream of coconut, and lime juice in the bottom of a blender.
Using your favorite unflavored CBD tincture, add a dropper full (or your preferred dose) on top of the other ingredients. Add the ice, then blend on high until the drink is smooth and creamy.
Pour the CBD colada into a drinking glass of your choice, then garnish with a pineapple leaf, slice of pineapple, and a pink flower. If you have fresh-cut hemp leaves on hand, add a leaf for some extra flair, then serve immediately.
There's no better feeling than scoring a good deal. That's why if you're looking to give your home a little refresh, finding items on sale is always ideal. Whether you're looking for new kitchen pieces or stunning furniture finds, we're here to help. We went on a mission to uncover the best home steals you can find on major sale this week.
Ahead, we curated a list of 26 impressive finds no one will ever believe you got on discount. From comfy sheets from brands like Brooklinen to Dyson fans and even area rugs from Target, no doubt these prices will blow you away. Keep reading to shop them all and find the ones your home is waiting for.
Protecting your skin from UV rays is an important step in any skin-care routine all year long, but in the summer months - when sitting in the sun for hours at a time isn't out of the norm - it's vital to apply (and reapply) your sunscreen - especially on tattooed skin. Without proper protection, the sun can dull a tattoo's colors and cause it to fade much quicker over time, effectively ruining the tat you likely spent a pretty penny on.
To ensure that your tattoo is protected from the sun, all you need is a safe lotion or spray sunscreen that, spoiler alert, you can use on the rest of your body. That's right, tattoos - whether super tiny or covering your entire body - don't need anything special when it comes to sun care, so whatever you use on your body is perfect for coating your ink with.
That said, based on effectiveness, price, and user reviews, we've rounded up some of the best sunscreens on the market for all skin tones and types to help protect all of your skin from the sun's harmful (but oh-so-sweet) rays. And if you're more into physical blockers, like zinc oxide, we've got you covered there, too.
- Additional reporting by Aimee Simeon and Alaina Demopoulos
Lizzie McGuire is the first "cool" show I remember watching as a kid. I didn't have an older sister to teach me about fashion or relationships or bras (you know exactly which episode I'm talking about). That's why Lizzie, and by extension Hilary Duff, became an icon to me and so many girls. I looked up to Lizzie as an example of what it means to be a good friend, daughter, sister, and overall person.
Fast forward nearly 20 years later, and I got the chance to chat with Duff as part of her partnership with beverage brand Creative Roots. No, I didn't tell her about my "What Dreams Are Made Of" moment at my bachelorette party or the Isabella costume I almost ordered for Halloween in college. Instead, I asked the question that's on every early '00s kid's mind right now: what's going on with the Disney+ reboot?
"I feel like it's our responsibility to honor the fanbase that grew up with her and where they are now."
Duff is more connected to Lizzie than anyone, and for that reason, she continues to fight for her character after Disney decided to halt production. "I feel like it's our responsibility to honor the fanbase that grew up with her and where they are now," she told POPSUGAR, echoing previous comments she made about giving Lizzie a storyline that's true to a 30-year-old's real life. Although she asked Disney to release the series to another network like Hulu back in February, it sounds like there might still be hope for their partnership.
"Disney has certain things that have to be met for their brand, and I totally understand that, and they totally understand my needs," she explained. "So we're in a really good place of being like, 'Hey, we pressed pause, and we're regrouping.' There's been a lot of like creative meetings, obviously virtually. I think we're on the right path, and I want it to happen more than anyone and they obviously feel the same way."
Duff said Disney is still "really excited" about the reboot and "dedicated to making it work," but everything remains on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. For now, she's enjoying time at home with her kids - Luca, 8, and Banks, 1. They haven't really shown interest in her Disney roots since she watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie with them last year, but hey, there's always next year?
When Duff isn't chasing her kids around - or learning guitar or tie-dying - she's reconnecting with old castmates. She keeps in touch the most with Jake Thomas, who played her brother Matt, and Holly Hobble, who played her mom, but the real highlight was seeing everyone during their "really fun" Zoom table read in May.
"All of us were just giggling, couldn't stop laughing," she recalled. "And obviously there's the play of a Zoom call so we're all stepping on each other's toes."
"I think all of us feel really appreciative to be a part of something that was so impactful to others," she continued. "And there's a love there that will never go away. So hopefully, we'll get to all experience whatever that new version looks like."
There's no better feeling than scoring a good deal. That's why if you're looking to give your home a little refresh, finding items on sale is always ideal. Whether you're looking for new kitchen pieces or stunning furniture finds, we're here to help. We went on a mission to uncover the best home steals you can find on major sale this week.
Ahead, we curated a list of 26 impressive finds no one will ever believe you got on discount. From comfy sheets from brands like Brooklinen to Dyson fans and even area rugs from Target, no doubt these prices will blow you away. Keep reading to shop them all and find the ones your home is waiting for.
During the warmer months, mixing up a thirst-quenching tropical drink is a fantastic way to keep your palate refreshed while enjoying endless days of sunshine. If you're a fan of coconut and pineapple, these tasty fruits can be blended together to create the perfect cocktail: the piña colada. While alcohol can be dehydrating, there are other creative ways to enhance this classic summer drink. Skip the booze and create a CBD colada!
This CBD colada is smooth, creamy, and delicious. It's also easy to make with just fresh-cut pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and hemp-derived CBD. Because this drink contains zero alcohol, it has fewer calories than the standard piña colada, plus it won't leave you with a hangover. Cheers to that!
If you're new to mixing CBD into blended drinks, don't worry - it's incredibly simple. As long as you have your favorite unflavored CBD tincture on hand, simply add your preferred dose into the blender with the other ingredients and blend away! Unlike THC, when consuming CBD, you don't need to worry about getting high because cannabidiol is nonpsychotropic. However, start on the lower side of the dosage range (between 2.5 to 25 milligrams CBD per drink), especially if you're new to CBD. And always speak with your healthcare provider before mixing CBD with other medications, which is not recommended.
I hope you're ready to make this refreshing CBD-infused drink! Keep reading for the recipe.
CBD Colada
By Jamie Evans, Founder of The Herb Somm and Author of The Ultimate Guide to CBD
Notes
For best results, use a full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD tincture of your choice at your preferred dose. Just be sure the tincture is unflavored so it doesn’t compromise the flavor of the drink.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh organic pineapple, skin removed and cut into cubes
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons cream of coconut (Coco Lopez recommended)
1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 dropper full (or your preferred dose) unflavored full-spectrum hemp CBD oil tincture
1 cup ice
Garnish with a pineapple leaf, slice of pineapple, and a pink flower and/or fresh-cut hemp leaf
Directions
Combine the fresh-cut pineapple, pineapple juice, unsweetened coconut milk, cream of coconut, and lime juice in the bottom of a blender.
Using your favorite unflavored CBD tincture, add a dropper full (or your preferred dose) on top of the other ingredients. Add the ice, then blend on high until the drink is smooth and creamy.
Pour the CBD colada into a drinking glass of your choice, then garnish with a pineapple leaf, slice of pineapple, and a pink flower. If you have fresh-cut hemp leaves on hand, add a leaf for some extra flair, then serve immediately.
I've spent a majority of my life battling hormonal acne and trying to combat breakouts. For so long, I used all the wrong products, but eventually, I was introduced to Drunk Elephant and fell in love with its hydrating serum. Since then, I've been a total convert, and I'm a fan of a number of the brand's bestsellers. I'm not alone, either; its massive following and ever-evolving product line is continuously growing. A number of my friends and coworkers often ask me about the brand and if it's actually worth the hype. So if you're wondering the same, then you've come to the right place.
Ahead, I curated a list of a few of my absolute must haves in addition to some of its top-rated picks. I've tried almost every product in the line and have been super impressed with the results. The brand only uses ingredients backed by scientific research to improve your skin, which makes the splurge easier to justify. Keep reading to shop everything from its newest face mask to its most popular serum - you won't regret it.
Face and body piercings are getting more creative by the second, and it's almost as if we see a new piercing trend popping up on our explore pages every other day. In recent weeks, we've been pretty fixated on the Dahlia piercing, a double facial piercing on both sides of the mouth that - as you probably could have guessed - gets its name from a rather dark moment in history. (More on that later.)
Dahlia piercings are rising in popularity, and if you're considering getting one, make sure to do your research on the risks associated with it as you would any other piercing. If you're interested in learning all things Dahlia piercings, we spoke to Vicki Rose, a professional body piercer at New York City's Studio 28 Tattoos, who shared some information on a few things you should know before getting one.
Juliana Spicoluk, cocreator of Boho Beautiful, classifies yoga as one of the main tools she uses to ease anxiety and stress. The certified yoga and Pilates teacher said that when it comes to flows that get your heart rate up as a form of cardio, she recommends Ashtanga, or what we tend to know as "power yoga."
That form of yoga is quite difficult, Spicoluk told POPSUGAR, and some people, she said, find it too strict because it follows the same poses. That's why she'll teach Ashtanga-inspired classes instead so there's more free rein, while still having that strong power component. Speaking in regard to what Spicoluk offers on her YouTube and Patreon pages, she specifically suggests the videos that are labeled "yoga workouts" for cardio.
The yoga workouts that Spicoluk offers are "always a little bit of a fusion between toning, Pilates, and yoga," she said. "So people feel like they're getting a workout and, at the same time, still feel that connection and that breath work and that kind of energy release that you get through a yoga practice." Ahead, check out a handful of those yoga workouts straight from Spicoluk's Boho Beautiful YouTube channel. You can try them the next time you want to challenge your flexibility but also get in a cardio session and build strength.
Lizzie McGuire is the first "cool" show I remember watching as a kid. I didn't have an older sister to teach me about fashion or relationships or bras (you know exactly which episode I'm talking about). That's why Lizzie, and by extension Hilary Duff, became an icon to me and so many girls. I looked up to Lizzie as an example of what it means to be a good friend, daughter, sister, and overall person.
Fast forward nearly 20 years later, and I got the chance to chat with Duff as part of her partnership with beverage brand Creative Roots. No, I didn't tell her about my "What Dreams Are Made Of" moment at my bachelorette party or the Isabella costume I almost ordered for Halloween in college. Instead, I asked the question that's on every early '00s kid's mind right now: what's going on with the Disney+ reboot?
"I feel like it's our responsibility to honor the fanbase that grew up with her and where they are now."
Duff is more connected to Lizzie than anyone, and for that reason, she continues to fight for her character after Disney decided to halt production. "I feel like it's our responsibility to honor the fanbase that grew up with her and where they are now," she told POPSUGAR, echoing previous comments she made about giving Lizzie a storyline that's true to a 30-year-old's real life. Although she asked Disney to release the series to another network like Hulu back in February, it sounds like there might still be hope for their partnership.
"Disney has certain things that have to be met for their brand, and I totally understand that, and they totally understand my needs," she explained. "So we're in a really good place of being like, 'Hey, we pressed pause, and we're regrouping.' There's been a lot of like creative meetings, obviously virtually. I think we're on the right path, and I want it to happen more than anyone and they obviously feel the same way."
Duff said Disney is still "really excited" about the reboot and "dedicated to making it work," but everything remains on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. For now, she's enjoying time at home with her kids - Luca, 8, and Banks, 1. They haven't really shown interest in her Disney roots since she watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie with them last year, but hey, there's always next year?
When Duff isn't chasing her kids around - or learning guitar or tie-dying - she's reconnecting with old castmates. She keeps in touch the most with Jake Thomas, who played her brother Matt, and Holly Hobble, who played her mom, but the real highlight was seeing everyone during their "really fun" Zoom table read in May.
"All of us were just giggling, couldn't stop laughing," she recalled. "And obviously there's the play of a Zoom call so we're all stepping on each other's toes."
"I think all of us feel really appreciative to be a part of something that was so impactful to others," she continued. "And there's a love there that will never go away. So hopefully, we'll get to all experience whatever that new version looks like."
There's no better feeling than scoring a good deal. That's why if you're looking to give your home a little refresh, finding items on sale is always ideal. Whether you're looking for new kitchen pieces or stunning furniture finds, we're here to help. We went on a mission to uncover the best home steals you can find on major sale this week.
Ahead, we curated a list of 26 impressive finds no one will ever believe you got on discount. From comfy sheets from brands like Brooklinen to Dyson fans and even area rugs from Target, no doubt these prices will blow you away. Keep reading to shop them all and find the ones your home is waiting for.
"Shut up and dribble," "Just focus on the game," "Stick to sports." Athletes have heard iterations of these remarks for decades - whenever they've vocalized their support for social and racial justice, spoken out against inequality, and participated in demonstrations in support of racial equality in the US.
Sports have always been political. Muhammad Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War and was a racial and social justice advocate; Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's race barrier; Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon, inspiring millions of women to run; Maya Moore put her career on pause to advocate for reform in law enforcement and the justice system. These are just a few of many examples of how sports and politics have and will continue to intersect.
As professional athletes began to return to team trainings and resume competition, things were looking bright for softball, a sport that traditionally doesn't receive much attention on the professional level. It was an exciting moment for the then Scrap Yard Dawgs Fastpitch team, and the softball community as a whole, to show off the skill, athleticism, and excitement of the game without competition from other live sports - until their general manager, Connie May, sent a tweet that would change the trajectory of the team and the game for good.
The players were moments away from the first pitch being thrown out when May tweeted a photo of the team standing during the National Anthem to Donald Trump, who has openly expressed his disapproval for those who choose to kneel, and captioned it, "Everyone respecting the flag!" The team played the entire game unaware of what May had done until they returned to the locker room after their game.
"This can't be real," Kiki Stokes thought when she saw May's tweet. Stokes and her teammates found the now-deleted tweet to be insensitive to the current climate and disrespectful to the Black community. Although May's tweet didn't specifically call out the Black Lives Matter movement, "You have to read in between the lines," Stokes told POPSUGAR. "You have to see that we have someone in office right now that is completely anti-kneeling. He ridiculed the one who started it: Colin Kaepernick. So by you pretty much using us as political pawns for your own agenda, you put us in a category of we all think the same way, too," Stokes explained.
Stokes felt both embarrassed and betrayed by May's tweet, especially since she had been on the team since its inception in 2015. "To just know that she didn't understand it, she didn't get it, just left me really disheartened," Stokes said. She also couldn't help to reflect on the fact that before they ever stepped foot on the field and for weeks leading up to their game, society was beginning to wake up to the reality of racial injustices, and she and her teammates were having important conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter and racial justice.
As one of two Black women on the team, Stokes said her teammates immediately responded with, "Kiki, what do you want to do?" They were all upset that their voices were taken away but also knew May's tweet directly impacted Stokes on a personal level. "The fact that literally every one of my teammates was aware of that, it's amazing," she said.
Kelsey Stewart, the other Black player on the team, sent Stokes the tweet and said she would no longer play for the team and Stokes decided to quit as well. When asked how the rest of the team decided to proceed, Stokes said, "It was easy. It was just so easy for everybody to be like, 'We're done.'" They didn't care about the rest of the series. They didn't care about the money. "To them it didn't matter. Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"In that moment, it was just like, we're going to figure everything else out later but this is not OK," Ally Carda told POPSUGAR. Carda explained that engaging in conversations about social and racial justice in the past and with her teammates made them more aware of the injustice that Black and brown people in America face and how that single tweet impacted Stokes. And even after deciding they would not represent a team that didn't reflect who they are as players, and more importantly as individuals, the conversations haven't stopped, "they just got more intense and more meaningful," according to Carda.
The players sacrificed their livelihood but refused to let May stop them from pursuing their passion. They returned as a new, independent team: This Is Us. Their mission is "to raise awareness, empower young women, and unite the softball community." Additionally, they strive to foster an environment that's supportive of people from all backgrounds, communities, and walks of life.
The team is still in an infancy stage but their goals are clear. "We want to be able to educate people. I think starting with the youth and being able to teach and empower these younger girls . . . that they are able to believe in something and stand by that, and be confident in who they are as a person and with their race growing up in the softball community," Carda said. They also want to educate coaches and make them more aware of racism and microagressions that happen on and off the field and how they can best uplift and empower the athletes they work with.
"When we speak up, things happen."
Like the trailblazers that came before them, This Is Us made a sacrifice to propel the game, sports, and society forward. In a world where athletes are praised for their prowess, physical feats, and achievements, but instantaneously ridiculed when they speak on subject matters outside of sports, Stokes wants athletes to continue to use their platforms to shed light on social and racial issues. "I think it's so important because as athletes, we do have such a big platform . . . and it's not only for the sport, but just who we are as people. And although it can be really uncomfortable and at times it can be controversial, even, when we speak up, things happen. And when we speak up in groups, even more so. When we speak up as a team . . . and we're all standing for the same thing, you start to see change."
Nicki Minaj is expecting her first child. The rapper, 37, shared the exciting news on July 20 by posting a photo of herself cradling her baby bump on Instagram. The caption simply read, "#Preggers." In true fashion, Nicki is wearing a bright yellow wig, colorful eye makeup, a whimsical bikini, and lots of accessories in the playful shot.
Like many parents, journalist Sophie Law cherishes the artistic creations her son makes. And while there are plenty of ways to store children's artwork, Sophie recently took a more tangible approach by turning a hilarious drawing her son made of her into a keychain. She showed off her new purchase in a tweet, and judging by the responses, it's safe to say a lot of other parents felt seen.
"When I discovered there's a company that makes children's drawings into keyrings, I knew it was time to immortalise my son's most famous depiction of me in silver for eternity," the BBC Radio host captioned the side-by-side photos. "I give you 'Mummy With Her Lady Bits.'"
Talk about a work of art! Ahead, find some of the relatable responses other parents had to Sophie's tweet. Because hey, if you've never had a questionable picture drawn of you, do you even have little kids?!
There's not much about spending time in the summer sun that's more of a pain in the behind than dealing with hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is what occurs when there's an overproduction of melanin in the skin that's often linked to acne and blemishes, although according to dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO, it can manifest in a few different ways.
"After trauma to the skin when it's healing or as skin rashes like eczema or contact dermatitis heals, there's hyperpigmentation of the skin before it goes back to its regular color," she told POPSUGAR. "Melasma is another type of pigmentation related to hormones, commonly found on upper lip or cheeks or forehead on women during and after pregnancy, with oral contraception use, or even with menopause."
That being said, sun exposure is also a common cause of hyperpigmentation, which is why we're more prone to experiencing it in the summertime. Sunlight can trigger the production of melanin in the skin, since melanin acts as a shield from UV rays. If you already deal with dark marks or discoloration, being in the sun will only darken them. "If you are exposed to sun, the darker skin will just get darker in the sun and take longer to get back to normal skin color," Dr. Sperling said.
Because of this, the most important step to take in preventing hyperpigmentation is regularly applying sunscreen. "You should use an SPF that's 30 or higher," Dr. Sperling said. "I like the physical sunscreens with zinc or titanium. Rx or over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone can also be used to treat hyperpigmentation."
Read ahead to check out some of our favorite products for treating and preventing hyperpigmentation.
"Shut up and dribble," "Just focus on the game," "Stick to sports." Athletes have heard iterations of these remarks for decades - whenever they've vocalized their support for social and racial justice, spoken out against inequality, and participated in demonstrations in support of racial equality in the US.
Sports have always been political. Muhammad Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War and was a racial and social justice advocate; Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's race barrier; Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon, inspiring millions of women to run; Maya Moore put her career on pause to advocate for reform in law enforcement and the justice system. These are just a few of many examples of how sports and politics have and will continue to intersect.
As professional athletes began to return to team trainings and resume competition, things were looking bright for softball, a sport that traditionally doesn't receive much attention on the professional level. It was an exciting moment for the then Scrap Yard Dawgs Fastpitch team, and the softball community as a whole, to show off the skill, athleticism, and excitement of the game without competition from other live sports - until their general manager, Connie May, sent a tweet that would change the trajectory of the team and the game for good.
The players were moments away from the first pitch being thrown out when May tweeted a photo of the team standing during the National Anthem to Donald Trump, who has openly expressed his disapproval for those who choose to kneel, and captioned it, "Everyone respecting the flag!" The team played the entire game unaware of what May had done until they returned to the locker room after their game.
"This can't be real," Kiki Stokes thought when she saw May's tweet. Stokes and her teammates found the now-deleted tweet to be insensitive to the current climate and disrespectful to the Black community. Although May's tweet didn't specifically call out the Black Lives Matter movement, "You have to read in between the lines," Stokes told POPSUGAR. "You have to see that we have someone in office right now that is completely anti-kneeling. He ridiculed the one who started it: Colin Kaepernick. So by you pretty much using us as political pawns for your own agenda, you put us in a category of we all think the same way, too," Stokes explained.
Stokes felt both embarrassed and betrayed by May's tweet, especially since she had been on the team since its inception in 2015. "To just know that she didn't understand it, she didn't get it, just left me really disheartened," Stokes said. She also couldn't help to reflect on the fact that before they ever stepped foot on the field and for weeks leading up to their game, society was beginning to wake up to the reality of racial injustices, and she and her teammates were having important conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter and racial justice.
As one of two Black women on the team, Stokes said her teammates immediately responded with, "Kiki, what do you want to do?" They were all upset that their voices were taken away but also knew May's tweet directly impacted Stokes on a personal level. "The fact that literally every one of my teammates was aware of that, it's amazing," she said.
Kelsey Stewart, the other Black player on the team, sent Stokes the tweet and said she would no longer play for the team and Stokes decided to quit as well. When asked how the rest of the team decided to proceed, Stokes said, "It was easy. It was just so easy for everybody to be like, 'We're done.'" They didn't care about the rest of the series. They didn't care about the money. "To them it didn't matter. Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"In that moment, it was just like, we're going to figure everything else out later but this is not OK," Ally Carda told POPSUGAR. Carda explained that engaging in conversations about social and racial justice in the past and with her teammates made them more aware of the injustice that Black and brown people in America face and how that single tweet impacted Stokes. And even after deciding they would not represent a team that didn't reflect who they are as players, and more importantly as individuals, the conversations haven't stopped, "they just got more intense and more meaningful," according to Carda.
The players sacrificed their livelihood but refused to let May stop them from pursuing their passion. They returned as a new, independent team: This Is Us. Their mission is "to raise awareness, empower young women, and unite the softball community." Additionally, they strive to foster an environment that's supportive of people from all backgrounds, communities, and walks of life.
The team is still in an infancy stage but their goals are clear. "We want to be able to educate people. I think starting with the youth and being able to teach and empower these younger girls . . . that they are able to believe in something and stand by that, and be confident in who they are as a person and with their race growing up in the softball community," Carda said. They also want to educate coaches and make them more aware of racism and microagressions that happen on and off the field and how they can best uplift and empower the athletes they work with.
"When we speak up, things happen."
Like the trailblazers that came before them, This Is Us made a sacrifice to propel the game, sports, and society forward. In a world where athletes are praised for their prowess, physical feats, and achievements, but instantaneously ridiculed when they speak on subject matters outside of sports, Stokes wants athletes to continue to use their platforms to shed light on social and racial issues. "I think it's so important because as athletes, we do have such a big platform . . . and it's not only for the sport, but just who we are as people. And although it can be really uncomfortable and at times it can be controversial, even, when we speak up, things happen. And when we speak up in groups, even more so. When we speak up as a team . . . and we're all standing for the same thing, you start to see change."
The LP is an all-too-relatable exploration of romance and the beautiful, ugly, and confusing emotions that accompany relationships. On each track, the quartet's matured confidence shines through plainly and subtly. Case in point, the Ramirez siblings, both queer, decided to identify their love interests using she/her pronouns during the songwriting process - something they evaded in their debut record. In an interview with POPSUGAR, The Aces opened up about Under My Influence's aplomb, as well as their experience creating the album, the emotional journeys they endured together, and some of the biggest lessons they learned along the way.
POPSUGAR: You previously said that the album title comes from you wanting fans to feel under your influence while listening to it. How would you describe that influence?
Alisa Ramirez: It's going to be different for everybody. That's the best thing about art and music: everyone interprets it in their own way. There are so many different vibes on this album, but it's true to who we are as The Aces, and, hopefully, fans will feel the confidence that we felt when we made it. When we say you'll be under our influence, it's the notion that we put so much of ourselves into it, and there's no room to question that.
PS: The album explores so many facets of love and romance. It's very multidimensional and personal. During the songwriting process, was it easy to bare your soul or did you have to keep pushing yourselves to dig deeper?
Cristal Ramirez: It was a mixture of both. It was so needed and therapeutic, but, at the same time, there were times when we were pushing each other to go deeper. Alisa would say, "You have to say that. It's so honest. People are really going to relate to that." I would be a little nervous, like, "Is that too personal?" But it's never too personal. Being vulnerable resonates with people. So it felt good to be honest, but we were constantly pushing each other to keep going deeper.
PS: Were there any songs that took more effort when tapping into your feelings?
"There are so many different vibes on this album, but it's true to who we are as The Aces, and, hopefully, fans will feel the confidence that we felt when we made it." - Alisa Ramirez
CR: Definitely. "Cruel" took a lot of emotional vulnerability, personally, because I was going through a heartbreaking breakup. It was with someone I really cared about and spent a lot of time with. We tried to get back together, and it had just fallen apart again. I was really devastated by it, and I remember being in Malibu deciding, watch Netflix and do nothing or write a bunch of music? Alisa was like, "Dude, you should just write about it. You're so upset about it. It doesn't even have to be on the record if you don't want it to be, but you might as well use your art to help you process." I was hesitant, but I did it. Alisa sat and transcribed as I told her word for word how I was feeling, and she helped me write the song. It was so emotionally charged. This weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I felt so much better after getting my thoughts out. So that song is a really special moment on the record.
AR: "801" is cool because it's about where we're from and how we were raised. It's something that we've always wanted to talk about but didn't quite know how to until now, and it was such an amazing experience to talk about it from a bird's-eye view. It's become one of our favorites off the record. I've been surprised to see how many people deeply feel that song and relate to it because they've been through similar things. It just feels really good whenever I hear it.
PS: I actually got a tiny peek into the Utah music scene a few months ago - before the world shut down - when I went to a Sofar Sounds concert in Manhattan. A Utah-based band called Brother. performed, and I really enjoyed them.
CR: There's an awesome community. I actually think I know Brother. and a few of the band members. There's a music scene in Utah for sure, and a lot of amazing musicians and artists that come from there, so I'm glad you got a taste of it. "801" is our little hometown nod because a lot of who we are is because we grew up in that environment. Even though it could be restricting at times and conservative - and we don't live our lives that way - it showed us what it takes to be ourselves and find that courage. It kept us really grounded, so there's a lot to be grateful for being from there.
PS: In the album's trailer, you say that at the beginning of your journey, you were concerned about how you'd be perceived, but now you don't feel that pressure as much. What did it take for you all to get to that place of freedom?
"Making the record felt like a spiritual experience in a lot of ways because it was so effortless, and it just felt good. The songs were just pouring out of us. It felt like this natural self-expression that was meant to be. - Cristal Ramirez
CR: I think that just comes with age and maturity and realizing that in life, none of the little details, silliness, and preconceived notions really matter. A lot of that stuff weighs us down, but, ultimately, they're just voices in our heads. We think, "If I'm my whole self, I'll never be accepted, and I'll never be OK," and all these things, which are very real and temporary, but you always come out on the other side. With experience, you start to see that you only have one life and the present moment, so you might as well do whatever the f*ck you want or you're going to regret it.
Katie Henderson: Totally. Like Cristal said, it just comes with life experience and overcoming situations together, like going into venues and automatically being written off just because we were four young girls. It's about realizing that we're confident in ourselves, knowing what we're capable of, and not holding back.
PS: Did the process of making the album help you get to that place of freedom or did you have to first find that freedom in order to make the album?
CR: I think the album took us there, honestly. When we set out to write Under My Influence, we weren't totally sure what was going to come out of it. We just knew that we wanted to write and that we had a lot to say. And then, little by little, as we started uncovering the album, it took shape. It was already there, already in the air, and we just needed to grab it. As an artist, there are some pieces of work that are a struggle and you have to pull teeth to get it out, and then there are other times when a song already exists, and it just comes through you. Under My Influence, for the most part, was already existing and ready to be born. Making the record felt like a spiritual experience in a lot of ways because it was so effortless, and it just felt good. The songs were just pouring out of us. It felt like this natural self-expression that was meant to be.
PS: In what ways does Under My Influence show your evolution as artists?
CR: We're better songwriters now. When My Heart Felt Volcanic was more vague lyrically, but Under My Influence is more blunt and obvious. It's a lot more mature in terms of being sexual and exploring adult relationships. It's also very queer, and doesn't try to hide that. So there's a lot in there, and you can hear the growth. When we showed people this record, they were like, "This feels like a total evolution for you guys as a band. It feels like the right next step for you."
PS: Were there any elements that you really loved about your last album that you made sure to incorporate in Under My Influence?
AR: We set a strong foundation of what The Aces sound was with the first record. We were super conscious of that coming into the next one and not doing anything that was too removed from that but also not making the same record. So it was about bringing that Aces quality from the first album to all of the new music, whether it was through an attitude, an energy, or certain guitar or drum sounds.
CR: Katie can speak to that, too, because a lot of what The Aces sound is has to do with the way she plays guitar and the way Ken plays bass. It's unmistakable when they're playing. And when we're creating, it's like, "OK, this song is sick, but we need Katie on it now," or, "We need Ken on it now." You'll always get that nostalgia from the first record because of them.
KH: I was thinking the same thing. Because when you hear Cristal's lead vocals, it's unmistakably Aces. There's just a tone that's so different from everything else. That's what is so cool about the group. We can experiment and try new things, but when we come together and add all of our touches, it becomes The Aces. We call it "Ace-ifying."
PS: Which singers, drummers, and guitarists have influenced each of you the most?
CR: Jessie J was huge for me. Seeing her and how amazing of a vocalist she is inspired me. I started singing when I was about 9 years old, and we started our band when I was 12. But it wasn't until I was 16 and got into Jessie J and saw what a technical and amazing singer she is that I started to think about what singing truly was. It wasn't just a thing that I was doing - it was a craft. I could learn how to use my voice stylistically and learn the kind of singer I wanted to be. I was really inspired by her and a lot of soul music, so obviously Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. And then Brandon Flowers from The Killers - he's just a powerhouse. I saw him perform at this festival we were at, and he's just the epitome of an amazing lead singer.
AR: As a drummer, someone who was influential to me was Zac Farro, the original drummer from Paramore. I first got a drum kit when I was about 8 years old, and we were all in love with that band. I remember learning "Misery Business" and every song off of Riot!. That's what I built my style off of - that energetic, aggressive rock drumming. Now, I'm a little more influenced by funk drummers, but my roots are in rock drumming and playing hard and heavy with a lot of energy. So I always revert back to that style. It's what comes the most natural to me, and it's so fun to play.
KH: Growing up, a big influence for me was Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys, Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, and Jack White. Every time I listen to them play guitar, it's like they've created a voice, and you always know who's playing. They just have this creativity that I'm constantly fighting to build for myself.
PS: What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned thus far in your 20s, and what do you hope to get out of your 20s?
"The most important thing is to be confident in yourself, be confident in the decisions you make, and do what's right for you. If your intentions are good, then good will always follow." - Katie Henderson
CR: A big lesson I've learned in my 20s is listen to yourself. You know what you're supposed to do. We get really caught up in, "I don't know. Should I do this? Should I do that?" But you should just do what you want to do, don't do anything you don't want to do, and listen to your gut. Connect to your intuition and follow your feelings because they're always right. Even as a 24-year-old, I'm still learning, but that's been a big life lesson of mine. And I hope to keep living the dream that I'm living with The Aces. I'm so grateful and lucky that I have this band, and it means everything to me. So if I get to keep being a part of The Aces and doing this kind of thing where we get to talk to really cool people like you and travel, then I'm happy. That's what I want to get out of my 20s.
AR: I'm only two years into my 20s, so I'm still trying to figure out the big lesson every day, but I agree with Cristal. What I'd like to get out of my 20s is not ever taking any moment for granted. With this year especially, I've realized how many simple things I took for granted that I haven't been able to do. As a young 20-something-year-old, it can go by really fast, and I just want to make sure that I'm stopping to be present and thankful, even for the little things.
KH: I've learned so much within the first four years of my 20s that it's hard for me to put into words. I've just been through so much within that short amount of time. But one big takeaway for me is that things take time, but when you know it's right, you know it's right. The most important thing is to be confident in yourself, be confident in the decisions you make, and do what's right for you. If your intentions are good, then good will always follow. And what I want to get out of my 20s is, like Cristal, to keep playing music. I want to learn as much as I can about different things - music, creating - and constantly improve in all areas of my life. I don't ever want to be too stagnant. I want to keep moving, growing, and progressing.
I don't get out of bed every morning feeling particularly positive or confident with the way my body looks. Rather, it's something I have to work toward every day. And when I do have blips of body acceptance, there's no guarantee that I'll feel the same way tomorrow, or even in a few hours. Body confidence is tricky like that. One moment it's here, in another it's gone. I could be scrutinizing over every inch - scratch that, centimeter - of my body, yet the next day be checking myself out in the mirror, flabbergasted that I ever thought my body wasn't beautiful or sexy enough. The thing about body confidence is, just because you have it, it doesn't mean all the negative thoughts vanish into thin air.
Social media is a breeding ground for insecurities, and if you're working on building your body confidence, this is the easiest place to wreck it. Wish your butt filled out your shorts more or you had tinier boobs to pull off a stringy swimsuit? Here's thousands of people at your disposal that don't look like you and can do those things. The amount of jealousy and envy that social media can amount on someone is monstrous. I've caught myself too many times thinking, "Wow, I would look so cute in that if only I weighed less or didn't wear a size in the double digits."
We're constantly editing or tuning our bodies to fit this mold of what society is telling us the "perfect" woman should look like, and I'm guilty of it as well. Photos go through rounds of editing before even making it on Instagram, and I'm left wondering how we as a society got to to this point. It's uncommon to have in-person interactions with a majority of our followers on social media, and the ones we do already know what our bodies look like! So, why are we wasting time worrying about what other people think of our bodies?
As I'm growing and learning to love my body, I've continued to tweak the type of content I'm consuming on my social media accounts. I'm breaking up with immediately feeling self-conscious or insecure about my size as soon as I open Instagram. If I'm putting in the work to appreciate my full figure and curves, I should be aligning myself with social media accounts that do the same. By following people who don't look like me, I'm only doing myself a disservice.
I make a mindful effort now to only follow and support brands and retailers who elicit body positivity and inclusivity. Believe it or not, I want to be tempted over and over again to spend my paycheck on swimsuits or formfitting jeans, and it's hard to be influenced or excited about a product that only exemplifies one body type. Curvy influencers have become my most trusted resource when it comes to shopping, because if they look like me and it fits their body, it'll fit mine. Seeing a real person using their platform to advocate for curvy products goes a lot further than a sponsored advertisement promoting all sizes with a model that looks nothing like me.
Body positivity and body confidence is something I have to work at daily, but reevaluating who and what I give my attention to on social media has made all the difference.
Nicki Minaj is expecting her first child. The rapper, 37, shared the exciting news on July 20 by posting a photo of herself cradling her baby bump on Instagram. The caption simply read, "#Preggers." In true fashion, Nicki is wearing a bright yellow wig, colorful eye makeup, a whimsical bikini, and lots of accessories in the playful shot.
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