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 31 mai 2017

The True Love Story of the Couple Who Took Gay Marriage to the Supreme Court - and Won

Kris and Sandy Stier made history when their case against California's Proposition 8 went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2013 - paving the way for another historic decision two years later that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. But their fight to be recognized as a married couple and family in the eyes of the law was long and often personally wrenching. In the below excerpt from their new book, Love on Trial, Kris Stier looks back fondly on their wedding - and remembers the devastating letter that awaited them when they returned from their honeymoon.

Sandy and I shared the news of our engagement with our parents, friends, and coworkers, most of whom seemed happy and less confused than we were. They all seemed to assume we would have a wedding just like any other wedding. We decided to follow their positive outlook: we picked a date in August 2004 and booked the Julia Morgan-designed Brazilian Room in Tilden Park, not too far from Indian Rock.

In February 2004, as we were drafting the "Save the Date" note, news broke that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom had directed the city clerk to marry all couples, gay and straight. At first, I was dubious. How could he do that? Did the mayor and the city clerk even have the authority to declare that same-sex couples could be married? Yet, suddenly, the possibility existed that Sandy and I could be married legally. The evening news showed streams of happy couples getting married at San Francisco City Hall while reporters warned that this window of opportunity might not stay open long.

Sandy and I felt a sense of urgency to make our impending marriage legal, so I made an appointment at City Hall for Tuesday, February 17; we kept the kids home from school so they could accompany us. Luckily, my mom could come, too. Since the twins had been born, my mom, who now lived a few miles south of San Francisco, had come to our house every week to help with them. We'd come home from work to find dinner waiting, kids' homework done, and cookies in Tupperware. We would laugh sometimes about her exuberance in doing chores at our house, such as folding our underwear into little balls, reorganizing the cupboards, or throwing away things she didn't think we needed anymore. On February 17, she met us in the City Hall parking lot, where news trucks lined the curbs.


Kris and Sandy with their boys outside San Francisco City Hall after getting married for the first time on Feb. 17, 2004

As we approached the steps to City Hall, Frank asked if we were going to be on the news. "Of course not!" we replied. Once we were inside, however, we discovered that Rosie O'Donnell was just ahead of us on the schedule, there to marry Kelli Carpenter. When the camera crews got a glimpse of our contingent in line behind Rosie and Kelli, we became the focus of their attention. Two moms, four boys, and a grandmother - this particular configuration hadn't been seen yet! We were on the local news that night, and a few weeks later, a 60 Minutes segment included a shot of us getting married. This would not be the first time we underestimated the media!

When we arrived home that afternoon, we were greeted by a bouquet of flowers and a huge card signed by every teacher at Spencer and Elliott's elementary school. I had assumed our marriage would be met with the same indifference that our relationship had evoked over the past few years, so the outpouring of excitement and joy was astounding. I had not experienced this kind of public support before. Is this what happens to all couples when they get married?

I accepted the good wishes warily. I tend to be superstitious, and I didn't want to sabotage our happiness. The tension between wanting to share our joy with friends and family and the dread that something would interfere with it was based on years of experience; good things don't often happen to lesbians in love.

Kris and Sandy at home together in Berkeley, California, in 2009. Photo courtesy of Diana Walker.

Although we had been planning our wedding for months, we had actually been planning for a celebration of our commitment - we hadn't expected to be celebrating our legal marriage. But on August 1, 2004, Sandy and I celebrated our legal marriage in front of a hundred loved ones. A string quartet played Head over Feet as I walked down the aisle with Spencer and Elliott. Sandy followed, Frank and Tom on each arm. She was radiant as she came toward me. The boys were beaming in tuxedos with tails - at their insistence - and black Converse high-tops. We were so happy to declare our love and commitment

to each other in front of our parents, siblings, and friends. However, when we returned from our romantic honeymoon, a very nasty surprise was waiting for us. Among the unopened mail that had arrived while we'd been in Italy was a letter from the San Francisco city clerk. The form letter informed us that the February marriage had been voided. To add insult to injury, the letter asked if we would prefer that our $32 marriage license fee be refunded or donated to charity. We couldn't blame the city, though. The Supreme Court of California had ordered a halt to these marriages just one month after they started as a response to several groups that had sued the City and County of San Francisco.

On August 12, the court voided all the licenses that had been issued during that month. How could it be that we'd been married and unmarried in the space of six months? We were reeling from the emotional impact, and we felt a responsibility to all the teachers, friends, and family members who had supported our marriage, who had sent flowers, cards, gifts, and good cheer. Should we return the wedding gifts? Send everyone a note saying, "I know you thought we were married, now it turns out we're not." No etiquette book has a chapter on how to handle this kind of situation.

We were not legally married, but we had already owned two homes together, we had joined our finances, we filed and paid our taxes as domestic partners, we participated in each other's family functions, we laughed and we cried together. We often felt forced to downplay our status as a same-sex couple, such as when we attended school functions. In situations like those, we feared that the consequences of being legally unmarried could cause someone to discriminate against us or against the kids. We couldn't legally call ourselves married, but "being married" was the only phrase that described our relationship. Being the rule followers we are, we never said we were married. That was a long time to live a double life, imposed on us by a discriminatory law.

In Case You're Wondering: Calories and Nutritional Info For Pizza

We love pizza. You love pizza. Don't skip it! But definitely be mindful of what's going into your body - that's true for all foods, pizza or otherwise! Here's what goes into some of your favorite slices: a small cheese pie varies from restaurant to restaurant, so we're giving you a good handful of options to look at from BJ's Brewhouse to California Pizza Kitchen to Domino's.

Depending on where you eat and the size of your slice, you're looking at anywhere from 200 to 300 calories per slice, with the average coming in around 260. But as you're well aware of, not all calories are created equally. Make sure you know how much protein, fat, and grams of carbohydrates you're getting, too!

Pizza Serving Size Calories Carbs Fat Sodium Protein
Pizza Hut, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese 1/8 of a pizza 290 34 11 550 13
Papa John's, Large Original Crust Cheese 1/8 of a pizza 295 38 9 705 10
Domino's, Large Hand-Tossed Cheese 1/8 of a pizza 290 36 11 620 12
Little Caesars, Large Hot-N-Ready Classic Cheese 1/8 of a pizza 250 31 8 420 12
California Pizza Kitchen, Five Cheese 1/6 of a pizza 190 22 7 450 9
BJ's Brewhouse Large Cheese and Tomato 1/10 of a pizza 300 37 9 760 12

House of Cards: Who Exactly Is the Mysterious Mark Usher?

House of Cards has long-revolved around Frank and Claire Underwood, but there's a new character added to the mix in season five: Mark Usher. He first appears in "Chapter 55," aka episode three of the new season. We've been immersed in this twisted world for a long time, so if Usher's appearance had you wondering if we'd met the character before, the answer is no - but he plays a big role in season five.

He is a newly appointed campaign adviser to Will Conway. According to Usher, Heather Conway pushed her husband to hire him, but we don't know exactly why she chose him. While Usher does appear to be helping Will, he also clearly has some dark ties in Washington. No biggie; so does everyone on this show. But as the season continues, Usher's relationship with Will sours.

If Usher looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen actor Campbell Scott before. He most recently played the recurring role Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz on Royal Pains. You might also be recognizing him from The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, in which he played Peter Parker's father. He was also in 2007's Music and Lyrics - obviously a very important, career-defining role.

There you have it!

7 Life-Saving Home Safety Tips Everyone Who Lives Alone Needs to Read

Moving out on your own is a big step. Leaving the comfort of a shared apartment, college dorm, or parent's house to live in an apartment all alone can be as scary as it is exhilarating. Along with all the independence that comes from renting (or buying) solo comes the full responsibility of watching out for your own safety - no roomies or mom to make sure you're home OK or lock the door behind you!

To learn how to stay safe when striking out on your own, we spoke with expert David Laubner of Blink Home Security. Check out his pro tips below - they might just save your life.

Change the locks as soon as you move in.

"Ensuring you know who has access to copies of your keys should be the first question to the landlord," David says. He warns that not all landlords do their due diligence to update the locks when a tenant moves out, so it's a smart idea to change them yourself upon moving in.

Make friends with your neighbors.

"People are 77 percent more likely to help a neighbor they know. It also allows your neighbors to be aware of what you look like so if they see someone knocking or going into your apartment that isn't you, they will know when to help or be more attentive."

Install an entrance door security camera.

David says it's essential to have some form of security in an apartment while you're not there monitoring your front door. "Having a security camera will give you that peace of mind. They don't have to be expensive, either; our indoor cameras start at just $99."

Use window stoppers.

"Windows are great to get fresh air, but they are one of the easiest access points in an apartment," David warns. "By simply putting a wooden pole in between where the two windows meet, you can block access for burglars." He also advises adding extra protection to any windows that could be accessed by climbing a tree. A simple window alarm is a good place to start.

View the room as if you are looking in from the street.

"Make sure to evaluate the rooms of the apartment as if you are looking through the window because burglars or thieves have the ability to look before entering," David says. To keep them from getting a good look at your apartment from the outside, he advises drawing the shades before leaving when possible or, for a more permanent solution, coating on the window so no one can peek in.

Get a door peep hole.

"One of the most common areas burglars and thieves enter is through is still the front door," says David. "They tend to knock first to ensure no one is home, so be sure you have something to prepare for any intruders who come to the door. It also allows you be better informed for anyone knocking at your door."

Download a personal security app.

David's final tip for solo dwellers: get a personal security app. "Whether you're headed out to meet girlfriends or simply walking from your apartment to your car, downloading a personal security app, such as bSafe, is a smart move for any woman who lives alone. This allows you to invite your friends to virtually walk you home and will even notify them when you've arrived at your destination."

From Cemeteries to Restaurants - New Orleans's Most Haunted Spots

New Orleans is probably known as one of the most haunted places in the US, what with its history steeped in war, piracy, and slavery. It's no surprise that almost anywhere you turn in the French Quarter will provide you with a place that has a haunted story of its own. On my last visit, the concierge at The Roosevelt Hotel set me up with a tour of haunted New Orleans, but I didn't stop there. After getting just a glimpse at New Orleans's ghostly history, I did my own research and found even more places. Ahead, see 11 of New Orleans's most historically haunted places, find out exactly where they are so you can make a visit of your own, and read the stories behind them.

The Story Behind Jason Momoa's Sexy Eyebrow Scar Is Actually Really Scary

We could sit here all day and talk about how sexy Jason Momoa is (His muscles? Stop. His back? Get out. His large man presence? Done.) But we're not going to do that, because as sure as the day is long, this too is a cold, hard fact. But what we are going to do is talk about his sexy as hell eyebrow scar (yep, the one that makes it look like he's always kind of grinning at you while also giving off an evil villain vibe). While it's easy to assume that a perfect and beautiful human like Jason was born with something so unique, he wasn't, and the story behind it is actually quite scary.

In an 2011 interview with Access Hollywood, the Aquaman actor revealed he got the scar from a man he believed was taking part in a gang initiation. "It was crazy. A guy smashed a pint glass in my face. I got a little over 140 stitches in my face," he said of the bar fight. "[Hair] just doesn't grow there anymore." He also joked that he married wife Lisa Bonet before it happened, so she had to embrace it. "I got my wife beforehand, so . . . if she doesn't like it, too bad. She likes it."

This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes

We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.

The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.

If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.

NASA's New Mission Involves Traveling to the Sun and People are Volunteering as Tribute


NASA is flying beyond the moon and headed to the stars - or at least, the biggest star closest to Earth. NASA announced on May 31 that the Parker Solar Probe will fly through the sun's atmosphere and hopefully answer questions about how stars work. Needless to say, the trip directly into the sun launched quite a few darkly funny reactions online.

The Parker Solar Probe mission, which will launch sometime in Summer 2018, is the first spacecraft to go to the sun. The probe will travel around the sun at a speed of 430,000 miles per hour and face the cool temperature of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. To get to the Sun's atmosphere, the probe will "use Venus' gravity during seven flybys over seven years" to get closer. The purpose of the mission is to have the probe analyze solar wind and see what moves it. Understanding the sun and solar wind will help researchers learn more about stars and more importantly, see how solar wind can affect Earth, satellites, and astronauts.


A day before NASA revealed the Parker Solar Probe mission, the Associated Press tweeted that the agency would make an announcement on it. The tweet's wording immediately gave the internet a few ideas on who should "fly directly into the sun's atmosphere."







The Parker Solar Probe is named after living astrophysicist Eugene Parker, who first wrote about solar wind in 1958. The mission will last for six years and 11 months, ending sometime in June 2025.

Google Gears Up to Launch Its Own Job Search Engine

Image Source: StockSnap / Wilfred Iven
"OK, Google: Where should I work next?"

From entry-level roles to high-end corporate positions, Google is determined to solve the "talent shortage" problem felt by companies by making it easy for employers and candidates to find each other. To this end, Google aims to roll out a job search feature, initially in partnership with traditional job search service providers like Glassdoor, Monster, and LinkedIn.

Image Source: Google

Similar to other job search functions, Google's feature will be able to filter job listings by title, location, type, and date posted, along with other considerations like commute time from a candidate's home. What's different about this search feature, however, is how it will figure out how job titles are related and group them together. Techcrunch explains:

"For instance, a search for 'retail' could mean 'retail associate' or 'store clerk' or 'store manager,' depending on how the employer wrote the job description. Google will be able to put all these together, so users who search for 'retail' will see all matching job types."


As Google CEO Sundar Pichai puts it, this is part of an effort to leverage Google's AI capabilities to "democratize access to information and surface new opportunities." Sounds like great news for the many job seekers eager to find their next big gig.

15 of the Easiest Pioneer Woman Recipes on the Planet

When you're looking for fast, easy, and reliable recipes, the Pioneer Woman is the ultimate go-to source. You can always count on Ree Drummond's recipes to be doable, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, no matter what you're in the mood for. Ahead, we've curated some of the Food Network host and Pioneer Woman magazine author's best and easiest recipes you'd be crazy not to try for yourself, like lemon-blueberry pancakes and butternut squash mac and cheese.

This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes

We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.

The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.

If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.

Underwater, These Ballerinas Look Just Like Mermaids

Shark Cookie photography by David Hoffman is known for playing with beautiful water elements in dance photos, including beachside photo shoots and sprays of water in the studio. One of our favorite styles of these shots? Underwater ballerinas. They look like real-life mermaids! Check it out.

The Story Behind Jason Momoa's Sexy Eyebrow Scar Is Actually Really Scary

We could sit here all day and talk about how sexy Jason Momoa is (His muscles? Stop. His back? Get out. His large man presence? Done.) But we're not going to do that, because as sure as the day is long, this too is a cold, hard fact. But what we are going to do is talk about his sexy as hell eyebrow scar (yep, the one that makes it look like he's always kind of grinning at you while also giving off an evil villain vibe). While it's easy to assume that a perfect and beautiful human like Jason was born with something so unique, he wasn't, and the story behind it is actually quite scary.

In an 2011 interview with Access Hollywood, the Aquaman actor revealed he got the scar from a man he believed was taking part in a gang initiation. "It was crazy. A guy smashed a pint glass in my face. I got a little over 140 stitches in my face," he said of the bar fight. "[Hair] just doesn't grow there anymore." He also joked that he married wife Lisa Bonet before it happened, so she had to embrace it. "I got my wife beforehand, so . . . if she doesn't like it, too bad. She likes it."

If You Thought Daddy Yankee Was Cool, Just Wait Till You See His Family

Daddy Yankee may be the "King of Reggaeton," but as it turns out, his kids are just as cool. Yankee had his first daughter, Yamilette, at 17 years old and shares daughter Jesaaelys and son Jeremy with wife Mireddys González. Although the 40-year-old musician keeps his family life pretty private, we've gotten a few peeks at his kin here and there thanks to social media. Whether they're enjoying a tropical vacation or attending an award show together, there's no denying the love in this family.

Underwater, These Ballerinas Look Just Like Mermaids

Shark Cookie photography by David Hoffman is known for playing with beautiful water elements in dance photos, including beachside photo shoots and sprays of water in the studio. One of our favorite styles of these shots? Underwater ballerinas. They look like real-life mermaids! Check it out.

If You Thought Daddy Yankee Was Cool, Just Wait Till You See His Family

Daddy Yankee may be the "King of Reggaeton," but as it turns out, his kids are just as cool. Yankee had his first daughter, Yamilette, at 17 years old and shares daughter Jesaaelys and son Jeremy with wife Mireddys González. Although the 40-year-old musician keeps his family life pretty private, we've gotten a few peeks at his kin here and there thanks to social media. Whether they're enjoying a tropical vacation or attending an award show together, there's no denying the love in this family.

15 of the Easiest Pioneer Woman Recipes on the Planet

When you're looking for fast, easy, and reliable recipes, the Pioneer Woman is the ultimate go-to source. You can always count on Ree Drummond's recipes to be doable, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, no matter what you're in the mood for. Ahead, we've curated some of the Food Network host and Pioneer Woman magazine author's best and easiest recipes you'd be crazy not to try for yourself, like lemon-blueberry pancakes and butternut squash mac and cheese.

If You Thought Daddy Yankee Was Cool, Just Wait Till You See His Family

Daddy Yankee may be the "King of Reggaeton," but as it turns out, his kids are just as cool. Yankee had his first daughter, Yamilette, at 17 years old and shares daughter Jesaaelys and son Jeremy with wife Mireddys González. Although the 40-year-old musician keeps his family life pretty private, we've gotten a few peeks at his kin here and there thanks to social media. Whether they're enjoying a tropical vacation or attending an award show together, there's no denying the love in this family.

9 Surprising Truths No One Tells You About Moving Into a Tiny Home


The meteoric rise of the tiny-house movement in recent years has been spurred on by contemporary homeowners' desire for a simpler, unfettered life. While these micro dwellings do come with some great perks - they're inexpensive and low-maintenance, freeing up time and money for other things - they also come with a few lesser-known cons. Before you sell off your belongings and take the dive into the tiny-living lifestyle, get all the information. Check out nine surprising truths of tiny-home ownership below.

Basic Life Functions

Everyday things you take for granted in a standard house, like getting mail and doing laundry, require thought when living in a tiny house. If you decide to downsize, you'll likely find yourself going outside the home to pick up letters at a P.O. box or wash clothes at the laundromat.

Legal Trouble

One of the biggest - and least known - complications of living in a tiny home is the legality of it. Many states have minimum home size requirements that tiny houses don't meet, making them illegal dwellings. There are some ways to navigate around this, such as having the house reside on land where it's a secondary accessory dwelling to an approved primary house or trying to have it registered as an RV. But these are complicated issues that require serious research. Ignore them, and you could find your tiny home with an eviction notice on it.

Clutter Reality

The beautiful images of tiny homes that fuel your daydreams have been styled to Pinterest perfection. In reality, tiny homes get messy just as fast, if not faster, than traditional homes. In such a tight space, it begins to feel cluttered the second an item is out of place.

Entertaining Limitations

Say goodbye to big dinner parties. With a good floor plan, you can squeeze one other couple in, but otherwise you'll need some outdoor space to accommodate company. And when it comes to having overnight guests, you'll need a fold-out chair and an adventurous guest (and yes, that was guest singular). There just isn't room for more.

Forced Intimacy

If you plan on moving in with another person, prepare to get up close and personal. There's no private space to escape off to for alone time. You'll be constantly connected and have to compromise on basic things such as what to cook for dinner (no room to prep two meals) to what TV show to watch (only one set).

Plumbing Considerations

Depending on how often you plan on moving your home and where you plan on moving it to, there are several plumbing options. Homes can be built to plug into sanitation and electricity infrastructure in RV parks, have a pressurized water hookup to connect to a hose when parked in a backyard, or even collect rainwater and have compostable toilets for those looking to go off the grid. All require more work than plumbing in traditional homes.

Health Changes

Before taking the plunge, consider how your circumstances might change within the next few years. Changes in health or a growing family can seriously impact your ability to live in a tiny house; for example, it will be nearly impossible to navigate your way up to a loft bed if poor health causes your mobility to be limited or you're heavily pregnant.

Lifestyle Proclivity

If you're a homebody or one who enjoys decorating the house and tending to the yard on the weekend, you may not be suited for microhome living. Those who prefer being in the great outdoors and detest home maintenance - and generally live their lives outside of their home - tend to fare best in the microhome community, as domestic activities and decorating are extremely limited.

Downsized Belongings

One of the biggest perks is also one of the biggest challenges to small-space living: getting rid of things. On one hand it's very liberating to toss most of your belongings, but on the other hand downsizing means you have to get rid of some sentimental and valued pieces. If you're not willing to part with Grandma's treasured dress collection or heirloom antique furniture, then you might not be ready for a microhome.

Someone Spray Painted a Racial Slur on LeBron James's California Mansion

LeBron James, arguably one of most recognized faces in basketball, was the target of a possible hate crime. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, James's Brentwood home was vandalized with a racial slur in the early morning on May 31.


A spokeswoman for the LAPD, Patricia Sandoval, confirmed with POPSUGAR that police responded to a call from James's building manager that someone had spray painted the n-word on his private gate. "When officers arrived, the slur was painted over," Sandoval wrote in an email. According to USA Today, the graffiti is being investigated as a hate crime.

Throughout his career, James has addressed the systemic racism that pervades American culture, no matter who you are. "Racism, we know, exists," James said on May 3 referring to allegations that a Baltimore Orioles baseball player was taunted with racial slurs in Boston. "For me, I just try to be respectful, for one, be respectful to others, and I feel like if you do that consistently, then I believe the karma will come back to you."

James and his family were reportedly not home at the time of the incident, which occurred just hours before the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Championship title.

Grey's Anatomy Star Ellen Pompeo's Modern Barn Summer House Is Cool AF

Designing a home is an arduous process even for big celebrities like Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo. When the actress embarked on a vacation home in Sag Harbor, however, she never expected that it would take many years, multiple people, and a completely revised plan. And Ellen is no fledgling home remodeler, mind you. She's worked on two Mediterranean homes, two modern homes, and a midcentury Malibu beach house. Creating beautiful interiors, "is my hobby and I absolutely love it," she told Architectural Digest in a recent feature.

Eight years and three children after Ellen purchased the property, her dream vacation home was much different, but no less wonderful, than she imagined. Initially, Ellen planned to update an original cabin on the property as a guest house and build a sprawling main house beside it. Before she could break ground, Ellen's attention was divided by the Malibu beach house, a passion project for her. Construction of the big vacation home was put on hold indefinitely, and (after a few design snags), the cabin was transformed into a charming modern barn decorated by Ellen, celebrity interior designer Estee Stanley, and Estee's business partner Brigette Romanek.

The three woman worked around size and configuration challenges to create a fresh, unfussy, and inviting space for Ellen and her family to spend the Summer. "I was looking to do something modern and hip and young, and I wanted to do something you don't see out there - I wanted to do something different," Ellen explained to Architectural Digest. We think she's succeeded. Judge for yourself in the images ahead, then head to ArchitecturalDigest.com for the full story.

Someone Spray Painted a Racial Slur on LeBron James's California Mansion

LeBron James, arguably one of most recognized faces in basketball, was the target of a possible hate crime. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, James's Brentwood home was vandalized with a racial slur in the early morning on May 31.


A spokeswoman for the LAPD, Patricia Sandoval, confirmed with POPSUGAR that police responded to a call from James's building manager that someone had spray painted the n-word on his private gate. "When officers arrived, the slur was painted over," Sandoval wrote in an email. According to USA Today, the graffiti is being investigated as a hate crime.

Throughout his career, James has addressed the systemic racism that pervades American culture, no matter who you are. "Racism, we know, exists," James said on May 3 referring to allegations that a Baltimore Orioles baseball player was taunted with racial slurs in Boston. "For me, I just try to be respectful, for one, be respectful to others, and I feel like if you do that consistently, then I believe the karma will come back to you."

James and his family were reportedly not home at the time of the incident, which occurred just hours before the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Championship title.

NASA's New Mission Involves Traveling to the Sun and People are Volunteering as Tribute


NASA is flying beyond the moon and headed to the stars - or at least, the biggest star closest to Earth. NASA announced on May 31 that the Parker Solar Probe will fly through the sun's atmosphere and hopefully answer questions about how stars work. Needless to say, the trip directly into the sun launched quite a few darkly funny reactions online.

The Parker Solar Probe mission, which will launch sometime in Summer 2018, is the first spacecraft to go to the sun. The probe will travel around the sun at a speed of 430,000 miles per hour and face the cool temperature of 2,500 degree Fahrenheit. To get to the Sun's atmosphere, the probe will "use Venus' gravity during seven flybys over seven years" to get closer. The purpose of the mission is to have the probe analyze solar wind and see what moves it. Understanding the sun and solar wind will help researchers learn more about stars and more importantly, see how solar wind can affect Earth, satellites, and astronauts.


A day before NASA revealed the Parker Solar Probe mission, the Associated Press tweeted that the agency would make an announcement on it. The tweet's wording immediately gave the internet a few ideas on who should "fly directly into the sun's atmosphere."







The Parker Solar Probe is named after living astrophysicist Eugene Parker, who first wrote about solar wind in 1958. The mission will last for six years and 11 months, ending sometime in June 2025.

Mom's Rant About a Themed Week at Her Kids' School Is the Laugh You Need Today

"I don't understand what is going on," says Melissa Radke, a mom of two, as she begins a hysterical rant about a themed week at her kids' school. In the video, she flashes a sheet of paper about "Red Ribbon Week," which outlines what children should wear to school each day of the special week. The week's goal "is to encourage children of all ages to be drug-free throughout their lives," but Radke says, "That is a lie. That is not the goal - the goal is to drive moms crazy with different outfits every day."

The hilarious mom continues, walking us through each day of the week, outlining why she feels that this outfit plan isn't necessarily an effective way to teach our kids to be drug-free while simultaneously relating to every parent of a child in public school. "'Thursday: don't let drugs find you - wear camo.' The problem is that people who wear camo are not invisible. They're not. So I feel perhaps that drugs could still find you because it doesn't make you an invisible person."

Her quick-witted rant is just the laugh we needed today - watch it in full above.

12 Celebrities Who Channeled 1970s Cher With Their Ultralong Hair

It seems like every celebrity has been showing up to the red carpet lately rocking ultralong, pin-straight hair - giving us some serious mane envy. The sleek style is dramatic, is glamorous, and evokes images of one of the biggest pop stars in history: Cher.

In the early days of the music icon's career during the '60s and '70s, the star's go-to look included wearing her jet-black hair down to her lower back and frequently pairing it with bold lashes. We are thrilled to see her signature hairstyle coming back, with many celebrities rocking the trend both at events and in their everyday lives.

On the icon's 71st birthday, Kim Kardashian posted nine photos of Cher to her Instagram, calling the singer her "fashion icon." Since Kim has been rocking this hair for a few months now, it's clear she draws a lot of beauty inspiration from Cher as well.

Of course, most people aren't blessed with hair this long, thick, and smooth. To wear this look yourself, you may want to invest in some extensions and a solid hair straightener.

Read on to see all the stars channeling Cher, and check out some gorgeous vintage photos of the music icon herself.

The Busy Woman's Workout - All Bodyweight Moves You Can Do Anywhere

Make it quick. Make it efficient. Make it excuse-proof. Done, done, and done! This workout is about 20 minutes long, but it leaves no muscle unworked. Plus, with no equipment needed, you really have no excuses.

Be sure to check out our bodyweight workout plan for more printable workouts you can do anywhere.

Mom's Rant About a Themed Week at Her Kids' School Is the Laugh You Need Today

"I don't understand what is going on," says Melissa Radke, a mom of two, as she begins a hysterical rant about a themed week at her kids' school. In the video, she flashes a sheet of paper about "Red Ribbon Week," which outlines what children should wear to school each day of the special week. The week's goal "is to encourage children of all ages to be drug-free throughout their lives," but Radke says, "That is a lie. That is not the goal - the goal is to drive moms crazy with different outfits every day."

The hilarious mom continues, walking us through each day of the week, outlining why she feels that this outfit plan isn't necessarily an effective way to teach our kids to be drug-free while simultaneously relating to every parent of a child in public school. "'Thursday: don't let drugs find you - wear camo.' The problem is that people who wear camo are not invisible. They're not. So I feel perhaps that drugs could still find you because it doesn't make you an invisible person."

Her quick-witted rant is just the laugh we needed today - watch it in full above.

You'll Want Wonder Woman's Powerful Theme Song on Your Gym Playlist ASAP

While watching Wonder Woman, you'll probably come away with a lot of thoughts - "holy sh*t, that was good," likely being chief among them - but there was one thing I couldn't get out of my head: Diana's intense theme song. Anytime the Princess of the Amazons was about to kick some serious ass, a powerful, familiar cello song would play. It's the same basic theme Hans Zimmer composed for Wonder Woman's action scene in Batman v Superman, called "Is She With You," only this time it's gotten a metal makeover from Tina Guo.

As io9 recently pointed out, Guo is a classically trained musician and electric cellist, who also plays bass and guitar (she even performed with the Foo Fighters at the 2008 Grammy Awards). She and Zimmer worked together to develop the initial theme, and now her solo version can be heard in full as Gal Gadot takes down enemy after enemy in the new film. Listen to the finished product above, and check out Guo in action below!


You'll Want Wonder Woman's Powerful Theme Song on Your Gym Playlist ASAP

While watching Wonder Woman, you'll probably come away with a lot of thoughts - "holy sh*t, that was good," likely being chief among them - but there was one thing I couldn't get out of my head: Diana's intense theme song. Anytime the Princess of the Amazons was about to kick some serious ass, a powerful, familiar cello song would play. It's the same basic theme Hans Zimmer composed for Wonder Woman's action scene in Batman v Superman, called "Is She With You," only this time it's gotten a metal makeover from Tina Guo.

As io9 recently pointed out, Guo is a classically trained musician and electric cellist, who also plays bass and guitar (she even performed with the Foo Fighters at the 2008 Grammy Awards). She and Zimmer worked together to develop the initial theme, and now her solo version can be heard in full as Gal Gadot takes down enemy after enemy in the new film. Listen to the finished product above, and check out Guo in action below!


The Busy Woman's Workout - All Bodyweight Moves You Can Do Anywhere

Make it quick. Make it efficient. Make it excuse-proof. Done, done, and done! This workout is about 20 minutes long, but it leaves no muscle unworked. Plus, with no equipment needed, you really have no excuses.

Be sure to check out our bodyweight workout plan for more printable workouts you can do anywhere.

The 9 Most Memorable Moments From Past Kardashian Family Weddings

As we all know, nobody throws a wedding like a Kardashian (except for maybe the royals). Khloé Kardashian famously tied the knot with former Lakers player Lamar Odom after one month of dating in 2009, while Kim's wedding to Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries in 2011 included a 196-foot-long custom white runner and three dress changes. Still, nothing quite compares to Kim and Kanye West's extravagant fete that spanned two cities and two days. With wedding season in full swing, take a walk down memory lane and look back at all the Kardashian family weddings.

Enjoy This Delightful 1988 Sesame Street Clip Demolishing Donald Trump

When President Donald Trump proposed cutting funds for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting (which partly sponsors PBS), one recognizable face from everyone's childhood was not pleased with his plan: Elmo. But the puppet's newly released and albeit rogue skit criticizing Trump is not actually the first time a Sesame Street character has parodied the president - in fact, they've been doing it for decades, and this vintage clip is a shining example of the show's prowess.

The 1988 segment chronicles a developer, cleverly named Ronald Grump, who wants to build a "candiminium" on Sesame Street. With high hopes of building "Grump Tower," the real estate mogul bribes Oscar the Grouch with a room in the tower for his property - and it doesn't turn out exactly as the puppet planned.

Decidedly the villain in the episode, Grump's stint on Sesame Street is temporary (similar to Trump's fluctuating real estate pursuits) and the cast forces him off the block. However, according to The Washington Post, a version of the Grump character returns at least two other times on the show. Watch for yourself and enjoy the simple satisfaction of Trump being burned by a cast of puppets.

These Vintage Disneyland Photos Don't Need a Filter - They're the Real Thing!

Since day one, Disneyland has lived up to its claim of being the "happiest place on earth." Guests young and old have been coming to the park since 1955 to experience a timeless world like no other - where magic seamlessly melds into reality.

One man was going through his grandfather's old slides and discovered vintage photos of Disneyland on just its second day after opening. He shared the photos with POPSUGAR; his grandfather's family was visiting the park all the way from New York. While some things were very different back then (park goers could smoke!), the essence of the Disneyland we know and love today still shines through in the pictures. See the classic shots of Disneyland in 1955 ahead!

The 9 Most Memorable Moments From Past Kardashian Family Weddings

As we all know, nobody throws a wedding like a Kardashian (except for maybe the royals). Khloé Kardashian famously tied the knot with former Lakers player Lamar Odom after one month of dating in 2009, while Kim's wedding to Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries in 2011 included a 196-foot-long custom white runner and three dress changes. Still, nothing quite compares to Kim and Kanye West's extravagant fete that spanned two cities and two days. With wedding season in full swing, take a walk down memory lane and look back at all the Kardashian family weddings.

The Sweet, Somber Significance of Princess Diana's Final Resting Place

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

Seven days after Princess Diana's tragic death in August 1997, she was honored with a public funeral that remains one of the most watched events in history. Millions of people crowded the streets of London to follow the route of Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace along Hyde Park to St. James's Palace, passing Buckingham Palace and observing her memory in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Later that day, Diana was taken to her final resting place at her childhood home, the Spencer estate in Althorp.

Image Source: Getty / Barry King

Though many attended her funeral, the Princess of Wales was buried privately; the only people present were a close friend, her mother and siblings, Prince Charles, William, Harry, and a clergyman. Diana wore a black dress by Catherine Walker and held on to a rosary given to her by Mother Teresa (who, sadly, died the same week as Diana). She was laid to rest on a small island in the middle of a lake at Althorp. The family estate is located about 70 miles from London in the town of Northampton, UK, and spans nearly 13,000 acres. Built in 1508, then-Lady Diana Spencer moved to the lavish home when her father, John Spencer, inherited the earl title in 1975. When he passed in 1992, Diana's brother Charles took the title as well as operation over the estate.

Image Source: Getty / Barry King

After her death, Earl Spencer decided that her gravesite was better off at Althorp than at their family vault in the local church, because it could be more easily cared for and, most importantly, offered better privacy for William and Harry to visit. Before his wedding to Kate Middleton in April 2011, William is said to have brought Kate to visit Diana's gravesite, where they reportedly laid flowers. The island where Diana's grave sits is accessed by a path of 36 trees - one for every year of her life - and black swans and white roses float in the water. It also holds a tall monument dedicated to the princess, as well as a temple for visitors to pay their respects. On either side of the template is a tablet; one is engraved with the tribute Prince Charles gave at her funeral, and the other has quotes from Diana about her love and commitment to charity work. In 2015, Earl Spencer and his wife, Karen, Countess Spencer, set forth a huge revamp of the property where Diana is buried - the first in 350 years. It is scheduled to be done just before the 20th anniversary of her death in August 2017.

13 Fascinating Facts About Princess Diana's Life

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

Princess Diana led a remarkable life even before becoming royalty, and her legacy continues to live on in the almost 20 years after her untimely death. While her charity work and her bravery to stand up to the royal family have made her an icon over the years, there are still a few things you may not know about the mother of Prince Harry and Prince William. Like how she originally wanted to be a ballerina. Or that her iconic 12-carat sapphire engagement ring doesn't follow royal custom. Keep scrolling for more interesting facts about the late Princess Diana here.

  1. Her grandmother was a lady in waiting. Her maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The two were close friends and many assumed that they encouraged the marriage of their grandchildren. Diana was reportedly not on speaking terms with Ruth when she died in 1993.
  2. She wanted to be a ballerina. Even though she did not excel in academics (she failed her O-levels twice), she was a talented athlete. Aside from swimming and diving, she studied ballet, but her height made her too tall to become a professional.
  3. She went to school with Tilda Swinton. The two attended the boarding school West Heath together.
  4. She was a kindergarten teacher. After leaving school, Diana began working with children and eventually became a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School. She was the first royal bride to have a paying job before her engagement.
  5. Her sister dated Prince Charles first. I guess you could say the two met through a mutual friend. Diana first met Charles in 1977 while he was dating her older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. It wasn't until the Summer of 1980 that Charles, who had already called it quits with Sarah, really became interested in Diana.
  6. Her engagement ring doesn't follow royal custom. Diana's sapphire ring (which now belongs to Kate Middleton) is an iconic piece of jewelry, but at the time, it was somewhat ordinary. While royal engagement rings are usually custom made, Diana selected hers from the Garrard Jewelers catalog.

Image Source: Getty / Bettmann

  1. Her wedding dress had the longest train in royal history. Her Emanuel dress, which reportedly cost $115,000, included a 25-foot-long train.
  2. She left out a royal tradition in her wedding vows. Diana was the first royal bride to omit that she would "obey" her husband in her vows. Kate and William followed suit when they got married in 2011.
  3. She had an affair with her son's horseback riding teacher. While Charles had an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, there was a fourth person involved in his and Diana's love square: James Hewitt. He was initially hired to teach Diana, William, and Harry horseback riding before the two engaged in an affair back in the late '80s.
  4. She lost her royal title after the divorce. After divorcing Prince Charles, Diana lost the title of her royal highness. While Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted her to keep it, Charles was "adamant" that she give it up. She was given the new title of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki

  1. She was only 36 when she died. After a tragic car crash in Paris, Diana underwent surgery before doctors discovered massive internal injuries, including a large tear in her superior pulmonary vein where it enters the heart. She was pronounced dead less than two hours after arriving at the hospital.
  2. 2.5 billion people tuned in to watch her funeral. Diana's funeral was originally intended to be a private affair attended only by members of the royal family and her closest relatives and friends, but after an outpouring of love and grief from the public, Queen Elizabeth II agreed to have a public funeral. An estimated 2.5 billion people viewed or listened worldwide.
  3. She is buried on an island.
    She was laid to rest on a small island in the middle of a lake at Althorp, her family's estate. The island is accessed by a path of 36 trees - one for every year of her life.

Enjoy This Delightful 1988 Sesame Street Clip Demolishing Donald Trump

When President Donald Trump proposed cutting funds for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting (which partly sponsors PBS), one recognizable face from everyone's childhood was not pleased with his plan: Elmo. But the puppet's newly released and albeit rogue skit criticizing Trump is not actually the first time a Sesame Street character has parodied the president - in fact, they've been doing it for decades, and this vintage clip is a shining example of the show's prowess.

The 1988 segment chronicles a developer, cleverly named Ronald Grump, who wants to build a "candiminium" on Sesame Street. With high hopes of building "Grump Tower," the real estate mogul bribes Oscar the Grouch with a room in the tower for his property - and it doesn't turn out exactly as the puppet planned.

Decidedly the villain in the episode, Grump's stint on Sesame Street is temporary (similar to Trump's fluctuating real estate pursuits) and the cast forces him off the block. However, according to The Washington Post, a version of the Grump character returns at least two other times on the show. Watch for yourself and enjoy the simple satisfaction of Trump being burned by a cast of puppets.

The Sweet, Somber Significance of Princess Diana's Final Resting Place

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

Seven days after Princess Diana's tragic death in August 1997, she was honored with a public funeral that remains one of the most watched events in history. Millions of people crowded the streets of London to follow the route of Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace along Hyde Park to St. James's Palace, passing Buckingham Palace and observing her memory in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Later that day, Diana was taken to her final resting place at her childhood home, the Spencer estate in Althorp.

Image Source: Getty / Barry King

Though many attended her funeral, the Princess of Wales was buried privately; the only people present were a close friend, her mother and siblings, Prince Charles, William, Harry, and a clergyman. Diana wore a black dress by Catherine Walker and held on to a rosary given to her by Mother Teresa (who, sadly, died the same week as Diana). She was laid to rest on a small island in the middle of a lake at Althorp. The family estate is located about 70 miles from London in the town of Northampton, UK, and spans nearly 13,000 acres. Built in 1508, then-Lady Diana Spencer moved to the lavish home when her father, John Spencer, inherited the earl title in 1975. When he passed in 1992, Diana's brother Charles took the title as well as operation over the estate.

Image Source: Getty / Barry King

After her death, Earl Spencer decided that her gravesite was better off at Althorp than at their family vault in the local church, because it could be more easily cared for and, most importantly, offered better privacy for William and Harry to visit. Before his wedding to Kate Middleton in April 2011, William is said to have brought Kate to visit Diana's gravesite, where they reportedly laid flowers. The island where Diana's grave sits is accessed by a path of 36 trees - one for every year of her life - and black swans and white roses float in the water. It also holds a tall monument dedicated to the princess, as well as a temple for visitors to pay their respects. On either side of the template is a tablet; one is engraved with the tribute Prince Charles gave at her funeral, and the other has quotes from Diana about her love and commitment to charity work. In 2015, Earl Spencer and his wife, Karen, Countess Spencer, set forth a huge revamp of the property where Diana is buried - the first in 350 years. It is scheduled to be done just before the 20th anniversary of her death in August 2017.

13 Fascinating Facts About Princess Diana's Life

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

Princess Diana led a remarkable life even before becoming royalty, and her legacy continues to live on in the almost 20 years after her untimely death. While her charity work and her bravery to stand up to the royal family have made her an icon over the years, there are still a few things you may not know about the mother of Prince Harry and Prince William. Like how she originally wanted to be a ballerina. Or that her iconic 12-carat sapphire engagement ring doesn't follow royal custom. Keep scrolling for more interesting facts about the late Princess Diana here.

  1. Her grandmother was a lady in waiting. Her maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The two were close friends and many assumed that they encouraged the marriage of their grandchildren. Diana was reportedly not on speaking terms with Ruth when she died in 1993.
  2. She wanted to be a ballerina. Even though she did not excel in academics (she failed her O-levels twice), she was a talented athlete. Aside from swimming and diving, she studied ballet, but her height made her too tall to become a professional.
  3. She went to school with Tilda Swinton. The two attended the boarding school West Heath together.
  4. She was a kindergarten teacher. After leaving school, Diana began working with children and eventually became a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School. She was the first royal bride to have a paying job before her engagement.
  5. Her sister dated Prince Charles first. I guess you could say the two met through a mutual friend. Diana first met Charles in 1977 while he was dating her older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. It wasn't until the Summer of 1980 that Charles, who had already called it quits with Sarah, really became interested in Diana.
  6. Her engagement ring doesn't follow royal custom. Diana's sapphire ring (which now belongs to Kate Middleton) is an iconic piece of jewelry, but at the time, it was somewhat ordinary. While royal engagement rings are usually custom made, Diana selected hers from the Garrard Jewelers catalog.

Image Source: Getty / Bettmann

  1. Her wedding dress had the longest train in royal history. Her Emanuel dress, which reportedly cost $115,000, included a 25-foot-long train.
  2. She left out a royal tradition in her wedding vows. Diana was the first royal bride to omit that she would "obey" her husband in her vows. Kate and William followed suit when they got married in 2011.
  3. She had an affair with her son's horseback riding teacher. While Charles had an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, there was a fourth person involved in his and Diana's love square: James Hewitt. He was initially hired to teach Diana, William, and Harry horseback riding before the two engaged in an affair back in the late '80s.
  4. She lost her royal title after the divorce. After divorcing Prince Charles, Diana lost the title of her royal highness. While Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted her to keep it, Charles was "adamant" that she give it up. She was given the new title of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki

  1. She was only 36 when she died. After a tragic car crash in Paris, Diana underwent surgery before doctors discovered massive internal injuries, including a large tear in her superior pulmonary vein where it enters the heart. She was pronounced dead less than two hours after arriving at the hospital.
  2. 2.5 billion people tuned in to watch her funeral. Diana's funeral was originally intended to be a private affair attended only by members of the royal family and her closest relatives and friends, but after an outpouring of love and grief from the public, Queen Elizabeth II agreed to have a public funeral. An estimated 2.5 billion people viewed or listened worldwide.
  3. She is buried on an island.
    She was laid to rest on a small island in the middle of a lake at Althorp, her family's estate. The island is accessed by a path of 36 trees - one for every year of her life.

I Tried That Viral Black Peel-Off Mask So You Definitely Don't Have To

If you've been on social media anytime in the past few months, chances are you've come across a monsoon-like flood of Instagram advertisements and YouTube reviews for the Shills Black Peel-Off Face Mask. The product has earned viral fame and developed a cult-like following of beauty mavens who praise its ability to banish blackheads with just one use. This skin-purifying mask promises to unclog pores of their impurities, leaving your face feeling smooth, exfoliated, and, most importantly, blackhead-free. Sounds pretty glorious, right?

As soon as I stumbled upon an ad about the Shills mask, so many questions came to mind: Does it actually work? How long does it take to show results? And on a scale of 1-10, how bad will it hurt? So I scoured YouTube to see what vloggers had to say about it, and it turned out the reviews were pretty evenly divided. Some admitted it was extremely painful and even caused a little inflammation, while others raved of its pore-cleansing effects and even featured up-close footage of their blackheads getting stripped of dirt and grime as the mask got ripped off.

It's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in.

I'm not gonna lie: it's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in. There's something so oddly satisfying about watching it, kind of like seeing Dr. Pimple Popper's blackhead-blasting adventures. (I know, I know; I'm weird.) My curiosity eventually got the best of me, so I decided to take one for the team and try the mask myself (naturally documenting my journey with a plethora of obnoxious selfies and Boomerangs, of course).

I have to preface things by honestly admitting I've been blessed with pretty decent skin. It's by no means a blackhead haven, but I do have tons of pesky clogged pores mostly concentrated around my nose that I've been itching to get rid of (and that I usually resort to squeezing out with my fingertips, despite my mom's best efforts to advise against doing so).

Before you sacrifice your precious pores and hop on the bandwagon, read on for the 11 tips and tidbits you need to know about the infamous Shills mask.

1. There appears to be two different Shills products on the market that people are mixing up

Shills isn't exactly a drugstore mainstay, so many of the brand's products are sold on Amazon. I ended up purchasing mine through a semisketchy website (see tip No. 2 for more details on that) and soon realized there are two different black peel-off masks that people are interchanging.

The two versions are the Purifying Peel-Off Mask and the Acne Purifying Peel-Off Black Mask. The first claims to "increase vitality" and is used by many beauty vloggers who have reviewed it on YouTube. The second claims to "increase complexion" and is sold at Walmart and on the official Shills website. I chose the Purifying Peel-Off Mask, because it's the first one I came across on social media. The difference in how well each of these products remove blackheads is a tad unclear, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if you're planning to purchase one.

2. If you're impatient like me, don't buy it through an Instagram ad

Being the millennial consumer I am, I simply couldn't resist clicking on an ad for the product on Instagram (especially when I saw the word "free" involved in the promotion). That ad took me to a website, which was offering the product for free (plus shipping costs). I paid $13 for it at the time - though the price appears to fluctuate daily because of the high demand. Purchasing it through a random website I'd never heard of was a rookie mistake on my end, because I had to wait three weeks for it to arrive, and when it did arrive, the packaging was pretty beat up. I suggest buying it from Walmart or Amazon, both of which offer quicker shipping times, if you're dying to try it ASAP.

Channeling some hopeful vibes before applying my face mask.

3. Apply the mask using a brush, not your fingertips

Whereas some gals on YouTube excitedly slathered on the goopy liquid with their fingers, others opted for using a makeup brush to do so. This resulted in much cleaner, accurate coverage. I went for a basic foundation brush from the local drugstore and found that I was able to properly cover my face. It also helped me get in those hard-to-reach spots (like between my eyebrows, near my nostrils, and by my hairline). A soft, semitapered foundation brush is definitely the way to go, rather than a large powder brush.

Another upside of using a brush to apply the Shills mask? I didn't have to deal with furiously scrubbing my fingers to get any of the black color off afterward because the brush took the fall instead. I simply dabbed on some dish soap, rubbed it on my silicone brush cleaner, and voila! My brush was good as new again.

4. On that note, apply it very carefully - yet quickly

I'm admittedly a tad of a perfectionist, so I wanted to apply my mask evenly to allow for the best selfies possible (yes, I know that was painfully millennial of me to say). But I realized that the liquid starts to dry pretty quickly, so you have to move fast when slathering it on. That doesn't mean sloppiness is welcomed, as getting that full coverage is what you should be going for. Just make sure you get yourself in ninja-mask-applying mode beforehand.

5. If you do mess something up, I've got the perfect solution

A few times during application, I accidentally veered my brush too closely to my eyebrows and hairline (both of which should 100 percent be avoided). In a moment of panic, I glanced over at the Q-tips in my bathroom and the imaginary light bulb illuminated above my head. A damp cotton swab was the ideal tiny tool for easily wiping away excess mask goop before it was too late. Note: this is a helpful hack you can use with any face mask, not just the Shills one!

6. The mask goes on thick - like, super thick

I was honestly a bit surprised at just how thick the liquid mask is when I first applied it to my face. I assumed I'd need to smear on a few layers, but all I needed was one coat of it, and I was good to go. Now you know!

7. Set aside nearly 30 minutes for it to dry

The packaging advised leaving the mask for 20-30 minutes before getting down to peeling business. I set a timer for 25 minutes and found that to be the perfect sweet spot. By then, the mask was evenly hardened all around, whereas if I had started peeling away around the 20-minute mark, a few patches where I applied it in a slightly thicker coating wouldn't have been ready.

25 minutes to kill = excessively lame Boomerang selfies.

8. Take a deep breath before peeling - and prepare for some pain

I suggest treating it like a bandage - just rip it as quickly as possible to get it over with.
One of the major caveats for this mask is just how painful it is to remove. Although I think this aspect has been a tad overhyped all over the internet, I can confirm that it hurt pretty freakin' bad. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), I'd give it a solid 8. By far the most painful area for removing the mask was near my eyes. I'll just go ahead and admit that unintentional tears may or may not have rolled down my face while ripping it off my skin. I suggest treating it like a bandage in that area - just pull it as quickly (and carefully!) as possible to get it over with.

9. It didn't actually remove any of my blackheads

Lots of happy customers have walked away from their black mask experience with clean, unclogged pores, so I hoped for those results going into it. But I was pretty darn disappointed when I peered at my reflection only to see the same little dots all around my T-zone. (Maybe I should've played "Mask Off" while peeling it to summon Future's magical powers for good measure? Hah, kidding.) The mask did, however, have an unexpected result: it ripped away some of my "peach fuzz" and a few hairs from my upper lip, which you can slightly see in the photo below. So it was basically like a two-in-one facial wax . . . that I didn't exactly ask for.

Many of the tiny white dots on the mask were itty-bitty peach-fuzz hairs.

10. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid this one

Like I said before, I prepped for the big day by binge-watching YouTube reviews of the Shills mask. One of the videos featured two fair-skinned gals whose faces were beet red in the aftermath. Personally, my face (mainly my cheeks) was red for about two hours after I removed it, and my skin felt all tingly for about 30 minutes after peeling it off. I'm no skin expert, but if yours is notably sensitive or prone to inflammation and flare-ups, I think it's probably best to skip out on the Shills hype. Something a little more mild may be more your style.

Me and my rosy cheeks.

11. A few postmask tips you need to know

All in all, the mask came off my face pretty seamlessly, mostly in two large pieces. There were a few remaining pieces stuck on near my hairline, which I suggest removing with a damp washcloth. The product's packaging advises following up your peel-off session with some toner to "tighten and cleanse the pores." Although my pores weren't exactly empty caverns by the end of it, I still applied toner for good measure, and it really soothed my slightly aching skin.

My final thoughts

Although I'm glad I finally quenched my undying curiosity over this mask once and for all, it definitely wasn't as effective as I had hoped it would be. At the end of the day, I wouldn't recommend succumbing to the hype - unless you're looking for a quick way to get rid of peach fuzz sans a razor, that is. Onward to my next face mask adventure!

Selena Gomez's New $2.25 Million Home Has a Massive Pool Perfect For Instagram Selfies

Selena Gomez is moving on. After putting her Texas mansion on the real estate market earlier this year, the 24-year-old singer and actress purchased a 3,188-square-foot house in Studio City, CA, that will serve as her new abode. The four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1951 and includes a massive pool, so we can (probably) expect to see more sexy bikini selfies from the "Bad Liar" singer this Summer. Read on to see photos of Gomez's new digs ahead.

I Tried That Viral Black Peel-Off Mask So You Definitely Don't Have To

If you've been on social media anytime in the past few months, chances are you've come across a monsoon-like flood of Instagram advertisements and YouTube reviews for the Shills Black Peel-Off Face Mask. The product has earned viral fame and developed a cult-like following of beauty mavens who praise its ability to banish blackheads with just one use. This skin-purifying mask promises to unclog pores of their impurities, leaving your face feeling smooth, exfoliated, and, most importantly, blackhead-free. Sounds pretty glorious, right?

As soon as I stumbled upon an ad about the Shills mask, so many questions came to mind: Does it actually work? How long does it take to show results? And on a scale of 1-10, how bad will it hurt? So I scoured YouTube to see what vloggers had to say about it, and it turned out the reviews were pretty evenly divided. Some admitted it was extremely painful and even caused a little inflammation, while others raved of its pore-cleansing effects and even featured up-close footage of their blackheads getting stripped of dirt and grime as the mask got ripped off.

It's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in.

I'm not gonna lie: it's those zoomed-in shots of the pore-stripping action that really drew me in. There's something so oddly satisfying about watching it, kind of like seeing Dr. Pimple Popper's blackhead-blasting adventures. (I know, I know; I'm weird.) My curiosity eventually got the best of me, so I decided to take one for the team and try the mask myself (naturally documenting my journey with a plethora of obnoxious selfies and Boomerangs, of course).

I have to preface things by honestly admitting I've been blessed with pretty decent skin. It's by no means a blackhead haven, but I do have tons of pesky clogged pores mostly concentrated around my nose that I've been itching to get rid of (and that I usually resort to squeezing out with my fingertips, despite my mom's best efforts to advise against doing so).

Before you sacrifice your precious pores and hop on the bandwagon, read on for the 11 tips and tidbits you need to know about the infamous Shills mask.

1. There appears to be two different Shills products on the market that people are mixing up

Shills isn't exactly a drugstore mainstay, so many of the brand's products are sold on Amazon. I ended up purchasing mine through a semisketchy website (see tip No. 2 for more details on that) and soon realized there are two different black peel-off masks that people are interchanging.

The two versions are the Purifying Peel-Off Mask and the Acne Purifying Peel-Off Black Mask. The first claims to "increase vitality" and is used by many beauty vloggers who have reviewed it on YouTube. The second claims to "increase complexion" and is sold at Walmart and on the official Shills website. I chose the Purifying Peel-Off Mask, because it's the first one I came across on social media. The difference in how well each of these products remove blackheads is a tad unclear, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if you're planning to purchase one.

2. If you're impatient like me, don't buy it through an Instagram ad

Being the millennial consumer I am, I simply couldn't resist clicking on an ad for the product on Instagram (especially when I saw the word "free" involved in the promotion). That ad took me to a website, which was offering the product for free (plus shipping costs). I paid $13 for it at the time - though the price appears to fluctuate daily because of the high demand. Purchasing it through a random website I'd never heard of was a rookie mistake on my end, because I had to wait three weeks for it to arrive, and when it did arrive, the packaging was pretty beat up. I suggest buying it from Walmart or Amazon, both of which offer quicker shipping times, if you're dying to try it ASAP.

Channeling some hopeful vibes before applying my face mask.

3. Apply the mask using a brush, not your fingertips

Whereas some gals on YouTube excitedly slathered on the goopy liquid with their fingers, others opted for using a makeup brush to do so. This resulted in much cleaner, accurate coverage. I went for a basic foundation brush from the local drugstore and found that I was able to properly cover my face. It also helped me get in those hard-to-reach spots (like between my eyebrows, near my nostrils, and by my hairline). A soft, semitapered foundation brush is definitely the way to go, rather than a large powder brush.

Another upside of using a brush to apply the Shills mask? I didn't have to deal with furiously scrubbing my fingers to get any of the black color off afterward because the brush took the fall instead. I simply dabbed on some dish soap, rubbed it on my silicone brush cleaner, and voila! My brush was good as new again.

4. On that note, apply it very carefully - yet quickly

I'm admittedly a tad of a perfectionist, so I wanted to apply my mask evenly to allow for the best selfies possible (yes, I know that was painfully millennial of me to say). But I realized that the liquid starts to dry pretty quickly, so you have to move fast when slathering it on. That doesn't mean sloppiness is welcomed, as getting that full coverage is what you should be going for. Just make sure you get yourself in ninja-mask-applying mode beforehand.

5. If you do mess something up, I've got the perfect solution

A few times during application, I accidentally veered my brush too closely to my eyebrows and hairline (both of which should 100 percent be avoided). In a moment of panic, I glanced over at the Q-tips in my bathroom and the imaginary light bulb illuminated above my head. A damp cotton swab was the ideal tiny tool for easily wiping away excess mask goop before it was too late. Note: this is a helpful hack you can use with any face mask, not just the Shills one!

6. The mask goes on thick - like, super thick

I was honestly a bit surprised at just how thick the liquid mask is when I first applied it to my face. I assumed I'd need to smear on a few layers, but all I needed was one coat of it, and I was good to go. Now you know!

7. Set aside nearly 30 minutes for it to dry

The packaging advised leaving the mask for 20-30 minutes before getting down to peeling business. I set a timer for 25 minutes and found that to be the perfect sweet spot. By then, the mask was evenly hardened all around, whereas if I had started peeling away around the 20-minute mark, a few patches where I applied it in a slightly thicker coating wouldn't have been ready.

25 minutes to kill = excessively lame Boomerang selfies.

8. Take a deep breath before peeling - and prepare for some pain

I suggest treating it like a bandage - just rip it as quickly as possible to get it over with.
One of the major caveats for this mask is just how painful it is to remove. Although I think this aspect has been a tad overhyped all over the internet, I can confirm that it hurt pretty freakin' bad. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), I'd give it a solid 8. By far the most painful area for removing the mask was near my eyes. I'll just go ahead and admit that unintentional tears may or may not have rolled down my face while ripping it off my skin. I suggest treating it like a bandage in that area - just pull it as quickly (and carefully!) as possible to get it over with.

9. It didn't actually remove any of my blackheads

Lots of happy customers have walked away from their black mask experience with clean, unclogged pores, so I hoped for those results going into it. But I was pretty darn disappointed when I peered at my reflection only to see the same little dots all around my T-zone. (Maybe I should've played "Mask Off" while peeling it to summon Future's magical powers for good measure? Hah, kidding.) The mask did, however, have an unexpected result: it ripped away some of my "peach fuzz" and a few hairs from my upper lip, which you can slightly see in the photo below. So it was basically like a two-in-one facial wax . . . that I didn't exactly ask for.

Many of the tiny white dots on the mask were itty-bitty peach-fuzz hairs.

10. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid this one

Like I said before, I prepped for the big day by binge-watching YouTube reviews of the Shills mask. One of the videos featured two fair-skinned gals whose faces were beet red in the aftermath. Personally, my face (mainly my cheeks) was red for about two hours after I removed it, and my skin felt all tingly for about 30 minutes after peeling it off. I'm no skin expert, but if yours is notably sensitive or prone to inflammation and flare-ups, I think it's probably best to skip out on the Shills hype. Something a little more mild may be more your style.

Me and my rosy cheeks.

11. A few postmask tips you need to know

All in all, the mask came off my face pretty seamlessly, mostly in two large pieces. There were a few remaining pieces stuck on near my hairline, which I suggest removing with a damp washcloth. The product's packaging advises following up your peel-off session with some toner to "tighten and cleanse the pores." Although my pores weren't exactly empty caverns by the end of it, I still applied toner for good measure, and it really soothed my slightly aching skin.

My final thoughts

Although I'm glad I finally quenched my undying curiosity over this mask once and for all, it definitely wasn't as effective as I had hoped it would be. At the end of the day, I wouldn't recommend succumbing to the hype - unless you're looking for a quick way to get rid of peach fuzz sans a razor, that is. Onward to my next face mask adventure!