Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

mercredi 9 septembre 2020

An Ob-Gyn Explains Why the Morning-After Pill Is Only Effective at Certain Times in Your Cycle

When your birth control fails, the morning-after pill is often the most reliable way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy - but that largely depends on where you are in your cycle.

Jill Krapf, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Washington, DC, explained that you're most likely to get pregnant in the five days leading up to ovulation or in the 24 hours after an egg is released. "During ovulation, your ovary will release an egg, which is triggered by the 'surge' of the luteinizing hormone (LH)," Dr. Krapf told POPSUGAR. "Once the egg is released, it can be fertilized by sperm - which can live inside a woman's body for up to six days after sex - from intercourse occurring any time during the fertile window."

Related: The 7 Most Common Myths About the Morning-After Pill, According to Ob-Gyns

Though there are two different forms of the morning-after pill, they both have one thing in common: the pills prevent pregnancy by first preventing ovulation. Levonorgestrel pills like Plan B work by blocking the LH surge, which in turn prevents the egg from being released from the ovary. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) pills like Ella, on the other hand, work to delay ovulation even after LH has begun to spike. (Just note that if you typically take prescription birth control pills, you'll need to skip them for five days after taking UPA. "Because of the progestin in the regular birth control pills, it can interfere with the action of the ulipristal acetate during this time period," Dr. Krapf said.)

While UPA might seem like the more effective option of the two, neither are effective if you've already ovulated. "Neither pill will prevent ovulation if taken on the day of the LH surge or later," Dr. Krapf said. Additionally, she stressed that the morning-after pill won't prevent implantation of a fertilized egg (or embryo).

So, if you're unsure of your risks - and what steps you should take next - it's best that you talk to your doctor before popping into a pharmacy to pick up the pill. You don't have to go it alone.

Gabrielle Union's Lime Green Jumpsuit Is Luxury Loungewear at Its Finest - Yes, It Has Pockets

Gabrielle Union's stay-at-home wardrobe is nothing shy of runway-ready, and even her loungewear has us ready to kick back on the couch in style as we take in all the gorgeous outfits at New York Fashion Week. In an Instagram gallery posted to her grid on Tuesday, Gabrielle shared photos of her new IZAYLA Tie-Front Jumpsuit in Lime Green. Now, it might be her caption or it might be the shimmery crinkled taffeta material, but this outfit is giving us serious brunch vibes. All that's missing is a pair of sunglasses and some strappy sandals.

"When your day starts at [3:30 a.m.] to get ready for @goodmorningamerica after dreaming about Fruity Pebbles. Embrace COLOR baby," Gabrielle captioned the post. Her accessories of choice? Her sofa and an oversized throw pillow to emphasize the comfiness of this luxury loungewear look. We are definitely in love with the vibrant color of this jumpsuit, but it also comes in three other eye-catching colors - including Pink, Aqua Blue, and Midnight Teal. Take a closer look at the $375 jumpsuit in every color available ahead.

15 Designer Bags Our Editors Are Currently Eyeing For Fall

If you're a fan of Coach, we've got some good news for you. The popular brand just dropped tons of new designs and silhouettes for fall, and they're so good, it's hard to not want every one. From its signature printed bags to carryall totes for every day to going out bags, there is something for every occasion.

To make sure you find your match, we did the hard work for your. Ahead, we curated a list of its best picks of the season, so all you have to do is add your favorites to your shopping cart. Plus, these quality investment pieces are ones you'll own for years to come, and who can argue with that?! Keep reading to shop them all.

Related: 2020 Has Changed the Way I Dress, and These Are the 15 Practical Bags I Want

This "Invisible Layers" Haircut Technique Is the Style Secret You've Been Waiting For

Speakeasy bars, off-the-menu food items, a really good haircut - some of the best things in life are nearly imperceptible to the eye. Unlike the first two, however, you needn't knock three times or have an in with the owner to unlock the best-kept secret of the hair-care world. Just ask your stylist for one thing: "invisible layers."

This dry haircutting technique can be done across all hair types and textures, but the intention remains the same: "The term 'invisible layers' refers to removing weight and adding movement into a haircut while creating a finished look with minimal or no layers at all," Omar Antonio, hairstylist and global top artist for Sebastian Professional, told POPSUGAR. That means subtly cutting layers within layers of longer hair for an infinitely more discreet - and therefore, natural-looking - effect.

The result? A low-key style that almost looks like you did nothing at all, only with built-in texture that's 10 times easier to maintain (because, hi, dreams do come true). While Antonio said invisible layers come by way of a myriad of techniques and tools, there's some lingo to learn before your next salon appointment to ensure you get the look you want.

From "pen cutting" to "back cutting," we're breaking down a few buzzwords to bring to your hairstylist, because trust: a haircut this good should not be kept behind closed doors.

Why It's Essential to Wear a Face Mask and What Kind You Should Use to Stay Protected

Over the past few months, face masks have emerged as an effective way to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The CDC began recommending cloth face masks for public use back in April, and since then, they've become a common sight in restaurants, businesses, and gyms. Guidelines are slowly evolving as doctors learn more about the virus, so if you're still confused over when and why you should wear a face mask, keep reading; we'll talk about the right kind to buy, how to make sure your mask fits correctly, and what else you can do to protect yourself and others.

The Difference Between Surgical Masks, N95 Respirators, and Cloth Masks

Let's differentiate between the types of face masks you see most commonly: surgical masks, N95 respirators, and cloth face masks. Surgical masks are thin paper masks that are intended to obstruct the flow of germs and pathogens from the wearer to the people around them (not the other way around). N95 respirators, on the other hand, are thicker, more fitted, and more effective at blocking transmission of viruses and other particles in both directions: from the wearer to others, and from others to the wearer.

N95 respirators are typically intended for healthcare professionals, who are required to undergo training to ensure correct use. Currently, the CDC does not recommend that the general public wear N95 respirators and says that even healthcare providers should only wear them in medical settings.

Cloth face masks, however, are now advised for use in public spaces. The CDC recommends the following for cloth face masks:

  • They should fit snugly on the sides of your face. (Here's a hack for tightening your face mask if it's loose.)
  • They should secure with ties or ear loops.
  • They should have multiple layers of fabric.
  • They should allow you to breathe comfortably, without restriction.
  • You should be able to wash them in a washing machine and drier without damaging the shape.

If you're looking for cloth face masks to buy, here are some good options, plus more information on what kind of cloth face masks are most effective.

When Should I Wear a Face Mask For Coronavirus?

N95 respirators are not recommended for public use. "We need them in the hospitals. We need them for healthcare providers," said Aruna Subramanian, MD, an infectious-disease doctor and clinical medical professor at Stanford. Hoarding these kinds of essential protective tools increases the danger for doctors, nurses, and first responders, who are already at higher risk of infection.

In the US, the CDC is now recommending the use of cloth face masks in public areas. These reusable masks are considered most effective at blocking the transmission of the virus from the wearer to others, although new research is now showing that they may also provide some protection to the wearer. It's essential to wear face masks in public areas, particularly because 40 percent of COVID-19 cases may be asymptomatic, according to a CDC estimation. By wearing a mask, even if you aren't showing symptoms, you lessen your likelihood of passing the coronavirus on to someone else. This is a tangible way you can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organization, you should also wear a face mask if you're experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, which include a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, or if you're taking care of someone experiencing symptoms. (Here's more about coronavirus symptoms to look out for.) Most restaurants and businesses are also requiring face mask use.

How Else Should I Protect Myself From the Coronavirus?

The best way to protect yourself is to wear a mask and continue to implement other safety measures. Here's what to do:

  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds each time. Use soap and water. If you don't have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer that's at least 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a disinfecting spray or wipe. (Here's more on the types of cleaning supplies that fight the coronavirus.)
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you decide to use a mask, follow proper usage protocol. Wash your hands before you put on the mask, avoid touching the front of the mask while you wear it, and discard it if it becomes hot or humid or once you're done using it.

POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.

This Grow-Your-Own Apple Tree Kit Is the Perfect Fall-Inspired Gift

15 Designer Bags Our Editors Are Currently Eyeing For Fall

If you're a fan of Coach, we've got some good news for you. The popular brand just dropped tons of new designs and silhouettes for fall, and they're so good, it's hard to not want every one. From its signature printed bags to carryall totes for every day to going out bags, there is something for every occasion.

To make sure you find your match, we did the hard work for your. Ahead, we curated a list of its best picks of the season, so all you have to do is add your favorites to your shopping cart. Plus, these quality investment pieces are ones you'll own for years to come, and who can argue with that?! Keep reading to shop them all.

Related: 2020 Has Changed the Way I Dress, and These Are the 15 Practical Bags I Want

This Grow-Your-Own Apple Tree Kit Is the Perfect Fall-Inspired Gift

What Will Netflix's Away Cover Next? The Cast and Crew Are Ready to Explore More in Season 2

Netflix's Away brings space exploration a little closer to home as viewers follow Emma Green (Hilary Swank) and her international crew - Ram (Ray Panthaki), Lu (Vivian Wu), Misha (Mark Ivanir), and Kwesi (Ato Essandoh) - on a Mars expedition. As they navigate the challenges of their journey, they must also deal with the repercussions on their loved ones back home.

The astronauts eventually reach their goal and step down on red sand, which leaves fans wondering what comes next, and in turn, will there be a second season? Well, the cast and show runner are hopeful. "I just feel like there's so much more to tell about everybody," showrunner Jessica Goldberg told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. "I feel like we just scratched the surface of the other characters and it would be wonderful to get to go deeper."

"I imagine if we're lucky enough to have a season two, which I hope we are, there's so many stories to tell."

"So much hasn't been explored in the first season, so I would like to explore these characters more and learn about their past, which I think is interesting," Panthaki added. "And the structure of the show allows us to do that, so that's exciting."

A huge appeal of Away is getting to see the crew's connections play out on Earth, as well as in space. They needed to have these emotional investments on their three-year journey, in order to discover their true identities. Goldberg explained that the longer these astronauts are away from their loved ones, the more they become a family to each other, and their "tethers" back home become "more and more tenuous."

"I imagine if we're lucky enough to have a season two, which I hope we are, there's so many stories to tell," Goldberg said. "We really see these characters lose the tropes, lose the stereotypes. We start to see who they really are. And we also start to see them become a family."

"Mars opens up the possibility for so many stories to tell," Goldberg continued. There's still no word on an official renewal from Netflix, but judging by the success of the show so far, we're feeling hopeful.

Why It's Essential to Wear a Face Mask and What Kind You Should Use to Stay Protected

Over the past few months, face masks have emerged as an effective way to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The CDC began recommending cloth face masks for public use back in April, and since then, they've become a common sight in restaurants, businesses, and gyms. Guidelines are slowly evolving as doctors learn more about the virus, so if you're still confused over when and why you should wear a face mask, keep reading; we'll talk about the right kind to buy, how to make sure your mask fits correctly, and what else you can do to protect yourself and others.

The Difference Between Surgical Masks, N95 Respirators, and Cloth Masks

Let's differentiate between the types of face masks you see most commonly: surgical masks, N95 respirators, and cloth face masks. Surgical masks are thin paper masks that are intended to obstruct the flow of germs and pathogens from the wearer to the people around them (not the other way around). N95 respirators, on the other hand, are thicker, more fitted, and more effective at blocking transmission of viruses and other particles in both directions: from the wearer to others, and from others to the wearer.

N95 respirators are typically intended for healthcare professionals, who are required to undergo training to ensure correct use. Currently, the CDC does not recommend that the general public wear N95 respirators and says that even healthcare providers should only wear them in medical settings.

Cloth face masks, however, are now advised for use in public spaces. The CDC recommends the following for cloth face masks:

  • They should fit snugly on the sides of your face. (Here's a hack for tightening your face mask if it's loose.)
  • They should secure with ties or ear loops.
  • They should have multiple layers of fabric.
  • They should allow you to breathe comfortably, without restriction.
  • You should be able to wash them in a washing machine and drier without damaging the shape.

If you're looking for cloth face masks to buy, here are some good options, plus more information on what kind of cloth face masks are most effective.

When Should I Wear a Face Mask For Coronavirus?

N95 respirators are not recommended for public use. "We need them in the hospitals. We need them for healthcare providers," said Aruna Subramanian, MD, an infectious-disease doctor and clinical medical professor at Stanford. Hoarding these kinds of essential protective tools increases the danger for doctors, nurses, and first responders, who are already at higher risk of infection.

In the US, the CDC is now recommending the use of cloth face masks in public areas. These reusable masks are considered most effective at blocking the transmission of the virus from the wearer to others, although new research is now showing that they may also provide some protection to the wearer. It's essential to wear face masks in public areas, particularly because 40 percent of COVID-19 cases may be asymptomatic, according to a CDC estimation. By wearing a mask, even if you aren't showing symptoms, you lessen your likelihood of passing the coronavirus on to someone else. This is a tangible way you can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organization, you should also wear a face mask if you're experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, which include a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, or if you're taking care of someone experiencing symptoms. (Here's more about coronavirus symptoms to look out for.) Most restaurants and businesses are also requiring face mask use.

How Else Should I Protect Myself From the Coronavirus?

The best way to protect yourself is to wear a mask and continue to implement other safety measures. Here's what to do:

  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds each time. Use soap and water. If you don't have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer that's at least 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a disinfecting spray or wipe. (Here's more on the types of cleaning supplies that fight the coronavirus.)
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you decide to use a mask, follow proper usage protocol. Wash your hands before you put on the mask, avoid touching the front of the mask while you wear it, and discard it if it becomes hot or humid or once you're done using it.

POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.

Netflix's I'm Thinking of Ending Things Is a Wild Ride, but It's the Ending That Really Gets Us


Image Source: Netflix
Charlie Kaufman's film adaptation of I'm Thinking of Ending Things is just as unsettling as the Ian Reid novel it's based on. The film - which premiered on Netflix Sept. 4 - follows a young woman's trip to meet her boyfriend Jakes's parents. Jake's girlfriend feels uneasy the entire time, and for good measure. Nothing is what it seems, and by the end of the movie, we're left scratching our heads as to what is real and what is imagined. In order to fully understand I'm Thinking of Ending Things's ending, we need to break down its premise, the parents, the girlfriend, and the somewhat creepy janitor that's interjected throughout.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things's Premise

Jake invites his girlfriend on a short trip to visit his parents at the farmhouse he grew up in. During the trip, the girlfriend contemplates breaking things off with Jake and it's almost as if he can hear her thoughts. When they arrive, Jake begins to start acting off, choosing to take his girlfriend on a tour of the farm despite the freezing temperatures. His parents' body language is also off-kilter and neither seem to truly understand social cues. And like any good mystery, there's a basement door covered in scratches that's considered off-limits.

Jake and his girlfriend's story is intercut with a lonely high school janitor. He's never given a name and stares at the students' rehearsal of Oklahoma! for far too long. It's not until the end, when the janitor talks with Jake's girlfriend (sometimes named Lucy), that we realize Jake and the janitor's story is one and the same.

Jake's Parents Are Dead

There's a reason Jake's parents aren't acting what most would consider "normal." That's because they're dead and currently figments of Jake's imagination. While "Lucy" and Jake are visiting, his parents rapidly age then de-age before her eyes. Even before the aging happens, Jake's dad is talking about his mother in the past tense. When the pair finally leave the house, it's like that chapter of Jake's life closes with his mother's death.


Image Source: Netflix

Jake's Girlfriend Doesn't Exist

Lucy/Louisa/Lucia is a girl Jake once saw at trivia night but never got the nerve up to actually talk to. Instead, he was a "nuisance" and stared at her like a "creeper," as "Lucy" says to the janitor. Her nonexistence also explains why her name frequently changes from Lucy to Louisa to Lucia, why her major never stays the same, why her art is someone else's, the sudden change to Yvonne from the movie the janitor is watching, and finally, why her clothes change without notice. Jake also doesn't remember her actual name, major, or what she was wearing the night he saw her. He simply has an ideal version of her in his mind that changes to fit whatever he needs.

The Janitor Is Jake

This connection is made when a talking cartoon pig (which is a callback to Jake's macabre story about the family pigs) tells the naked janitor, "We need to get you dressed," before cutting to Jake in a tuxedo accepting the Nobel prize. It's also implied when the janitor watches a rom-com and the story of how Jake and his girlfriend met mirrors the movie-within-the-movie's narrative. Later, his girlfriend's caller ID, which has been switching to reflect her "name" all evening, switches to Yvonne, aka the name of the female character from the movie. And for a split-second during their car ride from his parents, "Lucy" is replaced by the actress that plays Yvonne.

"Lucy" eventually finds that the washing machine in the off-limits basement is full of the janitor's uniforms, although, this isn't confirmed until the pair meets. When Jake's girlfriend and the janitor meet face-to-face, "Lucy" recalls what actually happened when Jake set his eyes on her during trivia night. Finally, there are all the ties to Oklahoma!: the musical is one of Jake's favorites, it's the performance that the school the janitor works at is putting on, it's where the song Jake sings at the end comes from, and it's the inspiration for the dream ballet that happens between Jake, his girlfriend, and the janitor. These references are sprinkled throughout and ultimately cement Jake's identity as the janitor.

Buying an Indoor Cycling Bike Was Expensive, but My Knees Are Forever Grateful


When I finally started listening to my body during workouts, I realized it was shouting at me - in the form of regular aches and pains in my knees - to reassess my cardio routine.

After gyms and fitness centers closed in March, I had no access to the low-impact resources I regularly turned to, like a pool or indoor cycling class, for a solid sweat. And because my downstairs neighbors do not appreciate high knees and jumping jacks at 6 a.m. (Can you blame them?), running became my go-to and only option for high-intensity cardio.

Going overboard with running - especially without switching things up or following a proper recovery routine - always seems to irritate my knees, and unsurprisingly, that's exactly what happened. Missing my joint-friendly cardio methods something fierce, I decided to budget for an indoor cycling bike - justifying the cost with the fact that I didn't have any intention to return to my gym.

A few weeks of basically little-to-no cardio later, it showed up at my doorstep - and I clipped in just a few hours later. The pedaling was a welcome relief from pounding the pavement, and I was thrilled later that night when I didn't have to break out my ice pack. I've had my bike now for about two weeks, and I've never sweat so much without pain.

I always knew that cycling was a great low-impact workout, but I wasn't as familiar with the mechanisms of this activity, so I checked in with Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS, for the specifics.

"Spinning is a great low-impact workout because your full body weight isn't going through your legs the way it does when you're walking or running," Dr. Marcus says. "You're sitting on the seat, but you can still get a great cardiovascular workout. This means less pressure is put on the joints in your legs, which can be great if you're in pain."

While many with knee pain will find cycling particularly helpful, Dr. Marcus also mentions that cycling isn't always great for those with knee pain - others can actually experience pain during the activity. "Some people with knee pain, such as those with IT Band Syndrome, may find that the repetitive motion in biking further irritates the condition," Dr. Marcus explains. "Obviously if you're in enough pain that you have to alter your activity, you should seek treatment."

While I'm so thrilled that I have a new cardio outlet, I'm being cautious not to overdo it - Dr. Marcus mentions that if you do too much too soon of any activity, you can injure yourself.

Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.

What Will Netflix's Away Cover Next? The Cast and Crew Are Ready to Explore More in Season 2

Netflix's Away brings space exploration a little closer to home as viewers follow Emma Green (Hilary Swank) and her international crew - Ram (Ray Panthaki), Lu (Vivian Wu), Misha (Mark Ivanir), and Kwesi (Ato Essandoh) - on a Mars expedition. As they navigate the challenges of their journey, they must also deal with the repercussions on their loved ones back home.

The astronauts eventually reach their goal and step down on red sand, which leaves fans wondering what comes next, and in turn, will there be a second season? Well, the cast and show runner are hopeful. "I just feel like there's so much more to tell about everybody," showrunner Jessica Goldberg told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. "I feel like we just scratched the surface of the other characters and it would be wonderful to get to go deeper."

"I imagine if we're lucky enough to have a season two, which I hope we are, there's so many stories to tell."

"So much hasn't been explored in the first season, so I would like to explore these characters more and learn about their past, which I think is interesting," Panthaki added. "And the structure of the show allows us to do that, so that's exciting."

A huge appeal of Away is getting to see the crew's connections play out on Earth, as well as in space. They needed to have these emotional investments on their three-year journey, in order to discover their true identities. Goldberg explained that the longer these astronauts are away from their loved ones, the more they become a family to each other, and their "tethers" back home become "more and more tenuous."

"I imagine if we're lucky enough to have a season two, which I hope we are, there's so many stories to tell," Goldberg said. "We really see these characters lose the tropes, lose the stereotypes. We start to see who they really are. And we also start to see them become a family."

"Mars opens up the possibility for so many stories to tell," Goldberg continued. There's still no word on an official renewal from Netflix, but judging by the success of the show so far, we're feeling hopeful.

Netflix's I'm Thinking of Ending Things Is a Wild Ride, but It's the Ending That Really Gets Us


Image Source: Netflix
Charlie Kaufman's film adaptation of I'm Thinking of Ending Things is just as unsettling as the Ian Reid novel it's based on. The film - which premiered on Netflix Sept. 4 - follows a young woman's trip to meet her boyfriend Jakes's parents. Jake's girlfriend feels uneasy the entire time, and for good measure. Nothing is what it seems, and by the end of the movie, we're left scratching our heads as to what is real and what is imagined. In order to fully understand I'm Thinking of Ending Things's ending, we need to break down its premise, the parents, the girlfriend, and the somewhat creepy janitor that's interjected throughout.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things's Premise

Jake invites his girlfriend on a short trip to visit his parents at the farmhouse he grew up in. During the trip, the girlfriend contemplates breaking things off with Jake and it's almost as if he can hear her thoughts. When they arrive, Jake begins to start acting off, choosing to take his girlfriend on a tour of the farm despite the freezing temperatures. His parents' body language is also off-kilter and neither seem to truly understand social cues. And like any good mystery, there's a basement door covered in scratches that's considered off-limits.

Jake and his girlfriend's story is intercut with a lonely high school janitor. He's never given a name and stares at the students' rehearsal of Oklahoma! for far too long. It's not until the end, when the janitor talks with Jake's girlfriend (sometimes named Lucy), that we realize Jake and the janitor's story is one and the same.

Jake's Parents Are Dead

There's a reason Jake's parents aren't acting what most would consider "normal." That's because they're dead and currently figments of Jake's imagination. While "Lucy" and Jake are visiting, his parents rapidly age then de-age before her eyes. Even before the aging happens, Jake's dad is talking about his mother in the past tense. When the pair finally leave the house, it's like that chapter of Jake's life closes with his mother's death.


Image Source: Netflix

Jake's Girlfriend Doesn't Exist

Lucy/Louisa/Lucia is a girl Jake once saw at trivia night but never got the nerve up to actually talk to. Instead, he was a "nuisance" and stared at her like a "creeper," as "Lucy" says to the janitor. Her nonexistence also explains why her name frequently changes from Lucy to Louisa to Lucia, why her major never stays the same, why her art is someone else's, the sudden change to Yvonne from the movie the janitor is watching, and finally, why her clothes change without notice. Jake also doesn't remember her actual name, major, or what she was wearing the night he saw her. He simply has an ideal version of her in his mind that changes to fit whatever he needs.

The Janitor Is Jake

This connection is made when a talking cartoon pig (which is a callback to Jake's macabre story about the family pigs) tells the naked janitor, "We need to get you dressed," before cutting to Jake in a tuxedo accepting the Nobel prize. It's also implied when the janitor watches a rom-com and the story of how Jake and his girlfriend met mirrors the movie-within-the-movie's narrative. Later, his girlfriend's caller ID, which has been switching to reflect her "name" all evening, switches to Yvonne, aka the name of the female character from the movie. And for a split-second during their car ride from his parents, "Lucy" is replaced by the actress that plays Yvonne.

"Lucy" eventually finds that the washing machine in the off-limits basement is full of the janitor's uniforms, although, this isn't confirmed until the pair meets. When Jake's girlfriend and the janitor meet face-to-face, "Lucy" recalls what actually happened when Jake set his eyes on her during trivia night. Finally, there are all the ties to Oklahoma!: the musical is one of Jake's favorites, it's the performance that the school the janitor works at is putting on, it's where the song Jake sings at the end comes from, and it's the inspiration for the dream ballet that happens between Jake, his girlfriend, and the janitor. These references are sprinkled throughout and ultimately cement Jake's identity as the janitor.

This Grow-Your-Own Apple Tree Kit Is the Perfect Fall-Inspired Gift

mardi 8 septembre 2020

This Dietitian Wants to Tell Every Freshman: Don't Worry About the "Freshman 15!"

While college may look a little different this fall, one message freshmen have to deal with is not to gain the "freshman 15." With all-you-can-eat dining halls, partying, late-night snacking and pizza deliveries, and the freedom to eat what, when, and how much you want, weight gain is common during this exciting and also stressful time. Registered dietitian and certified intuitive-eating counselor Sam Previte, LDN, CPT, who specializes in helping clients make peace with food and enjoy life, wants freshmen to know that they shouldn't worry about weight gain!

As someone who personally got sucked into dieting and disordered eating habits, Previte wants to prevent Freshman from the same pain she went through. Read on to learn why restrictive dieting is harmful, how it can actually lead to weight gain, and to learn ways to protect yourself from diet culture's messages so you can focus on enjoying all the other amazing things happening freshman year.

"We're Being Confronted": Energy Healer Millana Snow on Racism in Wellness

Millana Snow has been in the wellness world for 10 years, which means she's seen a lot. She's experienced a lot. And here's one thing she knows: the lack of diversity in fitness has been an issue for a long time.

"When the Black Lives Matter movement really got the attention that it needed to have, people came to me because they identified me as a Black woman in the space of healing," said Snow, an energy healer and the founder of Wellness Official. "But I have been helping people in this way for 10 years."

It was frustrating, Snow told POPSUGAR. She had been sharing her message and her skills for a long time, and yet, it seemed like they weren't valid or valued "until there was social pressure for people to align themselves with people that looked like me." Snow is Black, Latina, and white, and she does what she does "independent of what physical form I come in," she explained. "It was like I was getting attention because of the way that I looked as a Black woman, instead of just getting the respect as a person who has been doing the work for a long time and has a lot to share."

"It's the unseen, unconscious pattern of taking from those that you think that you can benefit from because you perceive them to be less than you."

In her years in wellness, Snow has experienced the effects of racism herself, something she's only recently shared publicly. In her previous business, Snow had a difficult experience with her business partners, one she described as bullying and slanderous. "It just so happened that these were two white women," she said. At first, she didn't realize it had anything to do with race. The wake-up call came when she saw Get Out, the groundbreaking Jordan Peele movie that personified the horrors of racism and modern colonization.

"In my own way, symbolically, that was actually my experience," Snow explained. "There was a deeper implication, because of this pattern in history of what colonizing actually is. It doesn't mean that it's just white people that do that. It's the unseen, unconscious pattern of taking from those that you think that you can benefit from, because you perceive them to be less than you." She points out that it's not just Black people who experience this either. "Frankly, it's happening to people of every gender, race, cultural background."

Related: Naomi Osaka Brought 7 Face Coverings Total to the US Open - Each Honors a Black Life Lost

Snow has also experienced what she called the "other side" of racism in wellness. When she first started out in wellness, she got a lot of attention. "I was getting a lot of press," she said. "I'm a model. I did a lot of TV and fashion. I'm a light-skinned woman." She realized, though, that she was being tokenized. "When they needed someone of color, I was the one that was OK to put in that role." It was that experience that informed the way she runs Wellness Official: instead of being the token Black voice, she said, "I can be the reason why everyone gets a seat at the table."

At the end of the day, Snow said, "we're being confronted": about systemic racism and our own shortcomings, in wellness and in every sphere. But she put it bluntly: "If we don't actually start caring and putting a priority on the sh*t that really matters, we're going to go to a very dark place that will be very hard to get out of."

"Let's do the work first," Snow said. "Then you'll see that everything else just feels better."

I Tried Trader Joe's Jicama Wraps, and After My First Bite, I'm a Huge Fan!

Call it fate, but when I was shopping at Trader Joe's (picking up stuff for taco night) and I saw these Jicama Wraps in the fridge section, I knew I had to buy them! In case you don't know what jicama is, on the back of the package it says, "This tuber resembles a crunchy cross between a water chestnut and an apple." This root veggie has a mild and neutral flavor and is low in carbs and calories, so it's a perfect healthy alternative to a flour or corn tortilla. Sounds good on paper, but how does it taste wrapped around taco fillings? Keep reading to find out.

Flowers Are Out - You Can Now Send a Keebler Cookie Bouquet to Someone You Love

Flowers are out - cookie bouquets are in! While we're all missing getting to spend quality time with some of our family and friends right now, you can send someone you love a sweet surprise with a Keebler Cookie bouquet. The adorable food "bouquets" are made of classic Fudge Stripes cookies, with colorful spice drops for the centers. Who needs long-stemmed roses when you can have "long-stemmed" cookies and candy instead?

On top of these cute bouquets, orders include two other types of cookies to satisfy every sweet tooth: Sandies, flavored with real Madagascar vanilla, and Chips Deluxe Original, made with real chocolate. It's a sweet way to show someone how much you miss them, and it's sure to put a smile on your recipient's face! Even better: you can send a bouquet for free for a limited time this month! Between Sept. 8 and Sept. 13 (while supplies last), you can send a bouquet to a loved one by either going to the promotion's website or tweeting with #SendKeeblerMagic and #promo. Who would you send one to?

This Dietitian Wants to Tell Every Freshman: Don't Worry About the "Freshman 15!"

While college may look a little different this fall, one message freshmen have to deal with is not to gain the "freshman 15." With all-you-can-eat dining halls, partying, late-night snacking and pizza deliveries, and the freedom to eat what, when, and how much you want, weight gain is common during this exciting and also stressful time. Registered dietitian and certified intuitive-eating counselor Sam Previte, LDN, CPT, who specializes in helping clients make peace with food and enjoy life, wants freshmen to know that they shouldn't worry about weight gain!

As someone who personally got sucked into dieting and disordered eating habits, Previte wants to prevent Freshman from the same pain she went through. Read on to learn why restrictive dieting is harmful, how it can actually lead to weight gain, and to learn ways to protect yourself from diet culture's messages so you can focus on enjoying all the other amazing things happening freshman year.

Nike Has New Cheetah-Print Training Shoes, and We've Got to Get Our Hands on Them

The Nike Metcon is one of the most popular training shoes for those who love high-intensity workouts. If your workouts involve sprints, pushing, pulling, jumping, and other explosive movements, you may want to give the Metcon family a shot. Before we get into the details of the shoe, we have to call out the obvious fact: they're cheetah print! If you're the person who loves fun, bright workout gear, these definitely have your name written all over them. Now, back to the shoe deets.

In the latest iteration, the Nike Metcon 6 ($130) is "sturdy, stable, and cooler than ever," the Nike website states. They're also apparently more breathable than earlier editions thanks to the lightweight mesh if you're worried about having steamy and sweaty feet. The flat heel allows for a stable base when you're weightlifting, the rubber tread on the sole and side of the shoe will make climbing ropes and running easier, and the cushion under the heel will help cushion any high-impact exercises you may find yourself doing.

To be completely honest, we were sold on the print alone but we love that these tried-and-true training shoes are also functional. If the cheetah print is too much for you, they also have other colorways for every personality.

"We're Being Confronted": Energy Healer Millana Snow on Racism in Wellness

Millana Snow has been in the wellness world for 10 years, which means she's seen a lot. She's experienced a lot. And here's one thing she knows: the lack of diversity in fitness has been an issue for a long time.

"When the Black Lives Matter movement really got the attention that it needed to have, people came to me because they identified me as a Black woman in the space of healing," said Snow, an energy healer and the founder of Wellness Official. "But I have been helping people in this way for 10 years."

It was frustrating, Snow told POPSUGAR. She had been sharing her message and her skills for a long time, and yet, it seemed like they weren't valid or valued "until there was social pressure for people to align themselves with people that looked like me." Snow is Black, Latina, and white, and she does what she does "independent of what physical form I come in," she explained. "It was like I was getting attention because of the way that I looked as a Black woman, instead of just getting the respect as a person who has been doing the work for a long time and has a lot to share."

"It's the unseen, unconscious pattern of taking from those that you think that you can benefit from because you perceive them to be less than you."

In her years in wellness, Snow has experienced the effects of racism herself, something she's only recently shared publicly. In her previous business, Snow had a difficult experience with her business partners, one she described as bullying and slanderous. "It just so happened that these were two white women," she said. At first, she didn't realize it had anything to do with race. The wake-up call came when she saw Get Out, the groundbreaking Jordan Peele movie that personified the horrors of racism and modern colonization.

"In my own way, symbolically, that was actually my experience," Snow explained. "There was a deeper implication, because of this pattern in history of what colonizing actually is. It doesn't mean that it's just white people that do that. It's the unseen, unconscious pattern of taking from those that you think that you can benefit from, because you perceive them to be less than you." She points out that it's not just Black people who experience this either. "Frankly, it's happening to people of every gender, race, cultural background."

Related: Naomi Osaka Brought 7 Face Coverings Total to the US Open - Each Honors a Black Life Lost

Snow has also experienced what she called the "other side" of racism in wellness. When she first started out in wellness, she got a lot of attention. "I was getting a lot of press," she said. "I'm a model. I did a lot of TV and fashion. I'm a light-skinned woman." She realized, though, that she was being tokenized. "When they needed someone of color, I was the one that was OK to put in that role." It was that experience that informed the way she runs Wellness Official: instead of being the token Black voice, she said, "I can be the reason why everyone gets a seat at the table."

At the end of the day, Snow said, "we're being confronted": about systemic racism and our own shortcomings, in wellness and in every sphere. But she put it bluntly: "If we don't actually start caring and putting a priority on the sh*t that really matters, we're going to go to a very dark place that will be very hard to get out of."

"Let's do the work first," Snow said. "Then you'll see that everything else just feels better."

Another DWTS Shakeup: Derek Hough Is Replacing Len Goodman as a Judge

Dancing With the Stars season 29 will feature some major changes when it premieres on Sept. 14. In addition to a new host, the series is also adding a new judge. On Tuesday, ABC announced that former pro dancer Derek Hough is replacing Len Goodman in the upcoming season. While Goodman is not able to return to the ballroom due to travel restrictions, he will participate in this season "in a different capacity" while staying in the UK. You can expect to see some familiar faces though. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli will both be back as judges this season.

Hough certainly has a long history with the dancing competition. After appearing as a guest instructor with his sister Julianne Hough during season four, he officially joined the cast as a pro dancer in season five. He then competed in 16 more seasons and has won six mirrorball trophies.

Please Stop Telling My Daughter That Her Sibling Is Her "Half-Sister"

Divorce and blending a family come with a whole slew of awkwardness. It's a messy and sometimes misunderstood dynamic to those not living it. Some people are kind, some are awful, and some are intrusive - both purposely and obliviously. I'm a big girl and can handle it. I've been enduring it for years. What I won't stand for, however, is when someone makes my kids feel like sh*t about any part of this dynamic. People, both ones we know and ones we don't, try to qualify my kids' relationship, and it happens more than you can imagine.

We don't use the term "half-sister" because these girls are not half anything. They're whole sisters who love each other with their whole hearts.

You see, after my divorce, I remarried and added another little girl to our crew. While I share custody of my older daughter with my first husband - her dad - my girls are close and adore each other as if they were together every day. My firstborn could not be more gracious, maternal, and loving. Their eight-year age gap left me with questions and concerns, but that was my own insecurities and neuroses. They are the best kind of sisters. The older one is the protector and the little one is her shadow. They are madly in love and I'm equally in love with them and their relationship. However, there are people out there who feel it's necessary to remind my older child that this baby is her "half-sister." While that term might be scientifically accurate, it couldn't be more of a misrepresentation of their bond. It feels dismissive.

Every time the words "half-sister" roll off someone's tongue as casually as if they're placing their morning coffee order, my older daughter gets upset. She asks me why people keep saying that and what it means for them, and she looks for cues on how she's supposed to feel about her sister. It's upsetting, infuriating, and frankly, mean. Why does anyone have to rain on her parade and point out something so meaningless that only makes her question their connection?

We don't use the term "half-sister" because these girls are not half anything. They're whole sisters who love each other with their whole hearts. They play, bicker, and show affection like sisters. Sure, they don't have the same father, but that has zero bearing on their bond. That fact was also out of their control. They took to the role of sisters so naturally and lovingly, so why can't everyone else be accepting and follow suit?

My girls are sisters. Period. They don't need people constantly pointing out the intricacies of their genetic makeup. Mothers like me work hard every day to facilitate healthy, strong relationships within their families. So when others try to undermine that, they're belittling the circumstances under which my kids came into this world. So please, think twice before you say something about someone else's dynamic, because at the end of the day, we're a regular family - just like you.

Princess Beatrice's Wedding Dress, Loaned From the Queen, Will Be on Display at Windsor Castle

Calling all royal fanatics, you'll soon be able to see Princess Beatrice's beautiful wedding dress up close and personal. On Monday, the palace announced that the wedding dress Beatrice borrowed from her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, will be on display at Windsor Castle as of Sept. 24.

For her small, quiet wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on July 17 2020, Beatrice chose a special dress to match her intimate, private ceremony. The short-sleeved gown she wore is a vintage design from Norman Hartnell and was loaned to Beatrice by the queen, which she famously wore back in the 1960s. The dress was tailored to fit Beatrice and her modern style under the direction of Angela Kelly, personal adviser, dresser, and curator to The Queen, and British fashion designer Stewart Parvin.

Beatrice is following in her sister's footsteps by displaying the special dress. Back in February 2018, Princess Eugenie's wedding dress, designed by Peter Pilotto, was on display at the castle giving royal fans another glimpse at its beauty.

The vintage dress along with Beatrice's Valentino wedding shoes and a replica of her bridal bouquet will be displayed at Windsor Castle from Sept. 24, to Nov. 22.

I Tried Trader Joe's Jicama Wraps, and After My First Bite, I'm a Huge Fan!

Call it fate, but when I was shopping at Trader Joe's (picking up stuff for taco night) and I saw these Jicama Wraps in the fridge section, I knew I had to buy them! In case you don't know what jicama is, on the back of the package it says, "This tuber resembles a crunchy cross between a water chestnut and an apple." This root veggie has a mild and neutral flavor and is low in carbs and calories, so it's a perfect healthy alternative to a flour or corn tortilla. Sounds good on paper, but how does it taste wrapped around taco fillings? Keep reading to find out.

10 YouTube Workouts That Will Have Your Leg Muscles Burning in Just 30 Minutes

Some people adore leg day, others dread it, and there are some of us who stand somewhere in the middle. Regardless of the stance you take, however, working out your legs is super important. They are carrying us through life, after all. Plus, exercising your leg muscles can be a game changer not only for your fitness but also for your everyday life. Even if you're not a marathon runner or cyclist, simple activities like walking up stairs, lifting heavy objects, and even standing can be made easier with the increased strength and balance you gain from working your lower body.

You don't need a leg-press machine or stair climber to work out your legs, either. In fact, all you'll need is a laptop or smart device to stream these incredible YouTube workouts and the physical space to follow along. These effective 30-minute lower-body workouts will help strengthen and tone your calves, your glutes, and everything in between!

Another DWTS Shakeup: Derek Hough Is Replacing Len Goodman as a Judge

Dancing With the Stars season 29 will feature some major changes when it premieres on Sept. 14. In addition to a new host, the series is also adding a new judge. On Tuesday, ABC announced that former pro dancer Derek Hough is replacing Len Goodman in the upcoming season. While Goodman is not able to return to the ballroom due to travel restrictions, he will participate in this season "in a different capacity" while staying in the UK. You can expect to see some familiar faces though. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli will both be back as judges this season.

Hough certainly has a long history with the dancing competition. After appearing as a guest instructor with his sister Julianne Hough during season four, he officially joined the cast as a pro dancer in season five. He then competed in 16 more seasons and has won six mirrorball trophies.

10 YouTube Workouts That Will Have Your Leg Muscles Burning in Just 30 Minutes

Some people adore leg day, others dread it, and there are some of us who stand somewhere in the middle. Regardless of the stance you take, however, working out your legs is super important. They are carrying us through life, after all. Plus, exercising your leg muscles can be a game changer not only for your fitness but also for your everyday life. Even if you're not a marathon runner or cyclist, simple activities like walking up stairs, lifting heavy objects, and even standing can be made easier with the increased strength and balance you gain from working your lower body.

You don't need a leg-press machine or stair climber to work out your legs, either. In fact, all you'll need is a laptop or smart device to stream these incredible YouTube workouts and the physical space to follow along. These effective 30-minute lower-body workouts will help strengthen and tone your calves, your glutes, and everything in between!