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.
vendredi 19 février 2016
A Cyclist Created Insane Art in the Most Unexpected Way
In avid Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, cyclist Stephen Lund has found a new artistic outlet using only his bike and a GPS - called GPS Doodles. Essentially, Lund preplans and tracks his frequent bike rides, which tend to be anywhere from 20 to 60 miles long, so that his resulting GPS map shows his desired (and impressive!) design.
Some of Lund's masterpieces include dinosaurs, whales, and even Darth Vader. You can follow Lund's creative journeys on his Instagram, and check out some of our favorite doodles, below.
26 Things to Do in Your Lifetime If You're a True Star Wars Fan
The Force - it's calling to you and hoping you can complete every single item on this epic Star Wars bucket list. From visiting set locations to running in a Star Wars-themed half marathon, we have about everything your Jedi or Sith heart could ever desire to do. Take a look ahead and start planning when you hope to accomplish all of this.
jeudi 18 février 2016
Here's When All of Your Favorite Shows Come Back After the Winter Hiatus
TV's annual Winter hiatus is almost over, but a few of your favorite shows will still be in reruns for another month or so. Luckily, when they do come back, they'll be joining a bunch of shows that have already made their triumphant returns. Find out when series like Once Upon a Time, Girls, and Broad City return. Grab your calendars, and take a look below.
Your Guide to Netflix's 15 New Series Coming in 2016
Glorious news! Netflix is basically a full-on network at this point, and the streaming service is debuting 15 new shows in 2016 alone. This is in addition to the classics you already love, like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black. So, what will your favorite Netflix shows of tomorrow be? Here's what you need to know about all 15 of the new shows, including premiere dates - if they have been released. Take a look, and check back as we update with more information!
14 Oscar-Nominated Movies You Can Watch at Home Right Now
If you want to be in the know when the Oscars airs this month, then it's time you start brushing up on all of the critically acclaimed movies that were nominated this year. Although many of them are still in theaters, major nominees like The Martian and Mad Max: Fury Road are only one click away from being on your screen. Keep reading to see which hits you can see this weekend, and if you don't have time, check out our handy Oscars cheat sheet!
Everything We Know About Once Upon a Time's 100th Episode
The midseason finale of Once Upon a Time broke our hearts, and there are a lot of unanswered questions that left us hanging. Not only are we looking forward to the show's 2016 return, but there is also another milestone we're stoked about: the 100th episode. While the second half of the season doesn't start back up until March 6, thankfully the show's creators, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, have provided us with a few hints about what's to come when the show returns with the 100th episode. Keep scrolling for all the details - so far.
It's OK to Keep Watching Beyoncé's "Formation" Music Video Over and Over Again
Just a day before hitting the stage at Super Bowl 50, Beyoncé dropped a new song called "Formation" out of nowhere. But that's not all! Along with the song, she also released a new music video exclusively to Tidal with a cameo from her adorable daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and we must say, it's fire! Just take a minute to review the lyrics: "Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess/Paparazzi catch my fly and my cocky fresh/I'm so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress."
In addition to featuring explicit lyrics, the video, which was directed by Beyoncé, takes on black culture and police brutality with a handful of powerful images, including a cop car, a police line, a Southern plantation home, and a shot of graffiti on a wall that reads, "Stop shooting us." But that's not all - we also dug up plenty of other interesting facts that you might not have noticed. Watch the video above now!
Want more Queen Bey?
A New Sneak Peek at the Friends Reunion Is Here, and It Will Instantly Make Your Day
The highly anticipated Friends reunion is almost here, and the latest teaser for it will definitely make you want to grab a coffee, sit on Central Perk's orange couch, and stay a while. The clip, which is part of the upcoming James Burrows tribute on NBC, shows the cast of the hit show (minus Matthew Perry) sitting down with host Andy Cohen. In addition to talking about their love for James, the real-life friends opened up about some of their fondest behind-the-scenes moments. "We experienced friendship, family, heartbreak, babies, everything, together," Jennifer Aniston says. "And we also had a wonderful experience with the world loving us as well." Watch the insanely nostalgic teaser, above, and then check out seven things we definitely know about the reunion.
Behold, the Full Cast of Guardians of the Galaxy 2
The sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy might still be a year or two away, but thankfully director James Gunn has been providing plenty of behind-the-scenes action to keep us going until then. Along with Marvel, Gunn recently announced an official cast list for the film, which not only hosts the original's quintet of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, and Dave Bautista, but also a mysterious new role for Kurt Russell. Will he play Star-Lord's dad, as many fans have speculated thus far? Only time will tell. Keep reading to see the entire stellar cast, and check out the hilarious blooper reel from the first movie!
21 Times Jane the Virgin's Rafael Gave You Serious Hot Flashes
Jane the Virgin is in the thick of a very dramatic second season. One thing we can always count on? Rafael Solano (Justin Baldoni) being incredibly sexy. From the moment we laid eyes on him in season one, Rafael has had our hearts. It's been so great having him back, and need we remind you of how adorable he is when he cradles his newborn son - without a shirt? (Mateo needs skin-to-skin contact, you guys!) Now that the new season is here, let's embrace Rafael for all he has given us. Once you're done, check out all the times you couldn't help but love Rogelio.
Whoa, This Harry Potter Theory Will Change Your Entire Perspective on Slytherins
Few people admit to liking Salazar Slytherin, but that might change with a new theory floating around.
In the Harry Potter series, Salazar Slytherin is portrayed as one of the Hogwarts founders who was extremely anti-muggleborns. But Tumblr user maglet-301 challenges that by pointing out a section in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that states how he wanted to build Hogwarts away from anyone who might compromise the safety of it. See below.
It doesn't end there. Tumblr user datvikingtho then chimed in with a comment that explained Slytherin was most likely wary of muggleborns because Hogwarts was founded during an era of witch-hunts. The other founders were also concerned but had their own reasons as to why they wanted muggleborns. For example, as datvikingtho explains, Ravenclaw wanted to bring both purebloods and muggleborns together to share magic with more people. But Slytherin, rightfully so, was afraid to follow suit. He didn't necessarily want to risk the lives of anyone by inviting someone who might be a potential spy or something worse.
Then it gets even crazier. The same user also delves into why the Chamber of Secrets was created. He or she thinks it was formed by Slytherin to protect students in case there was an attack. The basilisk could then easily get rid of whoever was trying to hurt the students.
Read the entire theory below. The origins of these two posts date back to eight months ago, but a Reddit thread is finally helping others see this new side of Slytherin. It might actually change the way you completely think about everyone from Slytherin house.
How to Turn On (or Off) Twitter's New Controversial Feature
Everyone can put the rumors to rest. The company announced that it has indeed rolled out a new algorithm where tweets that are most interesting or useful to you will be at the top of the timeline. Underneath that, you'll see tweets from the accounts you follow in reverse chronological order, just like before.
Not everyone was happy:
I agree that algorithmic Twitter feeds would be bad. The best thing about Twitter is finding and retweeting great but obscure tweets.
- Noah Smith (@Noahpinion) February 7, 2016
According to Twitter, these top tweets are chosen based on the accounts and tweets you engage with the most. Currently, you must turn on the new feature in your account settings, but it will soon become default. Here's how to turn it on or off, depending on your preference.
- For computer users: Go to your account settings page, and under Content, look for Timeline and toggle the box next to where it says "Show me the best tweets first" to change the setting.
- For iOS users: Tap the gear icon on your profile and select Settings. Under Timeline, tap "Timeline personalization." Then, next to "Show me the best tweets first," tap to turn on/off.
- For Andriod users: Hit the overflow icon, tap Settings, then select Timeline, and next to "Show me the best tweets first," check or uncheck the box to turn it on/off.
Help Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Win an Oscar in This Hilarious Video Game
You - yes, you - might be the key to helping Leonardo DiCaprio finally win an Oscar - in a video game, of course.
The game, called Leo's Red Carpet Rampage, will make you tackle a series of challenges to hopefully get Leo that Oscar that's eluded him for so many years. You'll need to jump to avoid paparazzi, make Leo act really hard, reenact an infamous scene from a movie, and, finally, race with the other "Best Actor" nominees. Oh, and you might also run into Lady Gaga, so be sure to avoid her, too. You can also gain more points and run faster by getting a series of SAG or Golden Globe awards in a row. Of course, the game addresses the #OscarsSoWhite controversy by including a challenge called "Find the Black Nominee."
Unsurprisingly, the game is seriously addictive. It's arcade style and the music hypes up the intensity. You only get three lives, so the stakes are high. It's almost like Leo had to go through this all in real life.
Take a look ahead to see what you can expect from the game and play for yourself - it's a lot harder than you think.
8 Ways to Watch TV Without Cable
Still paying for cable but looking for a way out? We've got a few ideas on how to keep up with your favorite shows without shelling out too much cash. Each service has different prices with a variety of shows to offer, so it's really about prioritizing how much you need to see your cable shows every week. Take a look ahead and don't be afraid to finally cut the cord!
- Hulu ($8-12 a month): Within Hulu, there are two tiers: a limited commercial plan and one without commercials. Whichever path you choose, you'll get to see your current TV shows the next day. You can also pay an additional $9 a month to add Showtime to your Hulu account, letting you watch shows like Homeland.
- Showtime Now ($11 a month after 30-day free trial): Download the app, and you can watch all your favorite shows and movies.
- Playstation Vue ($49-$65 a month): If you just enjoy loafing around watching all sorts of TV, Playstation Vue might be your best package. There are three different packages, each that offer a slew of cable TV shows. The basic tier called Access ($49 a month) gets you a lot already. You'll get channels like CBS, NBC, MTV, Bravo, and AMC. The next tier, Core ($55 a month, originally $60), gets you the same package but with other channels like IFC, Sundance, and TNT. The Elite package ($65 a month, originally $70) will bring you Fox College Sports, Teen Nick, the Cooking Channel and more.
- Sling TV ($20 a month): With Sling TV, you can watch channels like CNN, HGTV, the Disney Channel, and ESPN at the set price of twenty dollars. For just an extra five dollars a month, you can add on extra packages like "Sports," which brings you ESPNU. Or, try the "Hollywood" extra plan and get TCM, Epix and others.
- CBS All Access ($6 a month): Like Hulu, you can watch any new episode from a CBS show the next day from when it airs. You also gain access to tons of episodes on demand so your binge-watching doesn't start or end with just Netflix.
- Netflix ($8-$12 a month): You can't chill without Netflix and you can't Netflix without chill. While the service doesn't show you the latest episodes of your favorite cable shows, it does offer plenty of original series that will satisfy your TV itch.
- HBO Now ($15 a month): Watch your premium cable network without paying the premium with HBO Now. You get to watch both TV shows and movies from the channel, which is really a win-win situation.
- Amazon Prime ($99 a year): Similar to Netflix, you won't get to see current episodes of TV shows but you will get to see award-winning original series like Transparent. You'll also get free two-day shipping, unlimited music streaming, and photo storage.
Now go buy yourself an Apple TV or Chromecast device and get started on your new life free of cable!
Why Apple Thinks Hacking Into an iPhone Is a Bad Idea
Thanks to our friends at Business Insider, learn why the FBI wants Apple to hack into an iPhone – and why Apple thinks it's a bad idea.
On Tuesday a US judge ordered Apple to help the FBI unlock an encrypted iPhone.
The Cupertino, California-based company has reacted furiously.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has published an extremely strongly worded letter, calling the demand "chilling," arguing that it "would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect."
So what's the big deal?
This was sparked by the San Bernardino mass shooting
First, some background:
FBI investigators are trying to access data on the phone of one of the two San Bernardino shooters who killed 14 people and injured 22 more in a mass shooting in California in December. They're looking to work out how the two were influenced by Islamist terrorist groups, according to The Guardian.
The phone's owner, Syed Farook, was killed in a subsequent shootout. The device in question, an iPhone 5c, was encrypted using Apple's default software, meaning no one, including Apple and the FBI, is able to access its data without the correct passcode.
The FBI has therefore taken Apple to court to try to get its help in unlocking the phone. It isn't trying to get Apple to remove the encryption on the device altogether; rather, it is trying to get Apple to create software that bypasses the limit on the number of passcode attempts you can enter before the device auto-wipes. That would let investigators gain access to the device by trying every possible combination.
A US magistrate on Tuesday ordered Apple to assist the FBI in this.
Apple has indicated it intends to appeal - for reasons we'll get to shortly.
There's an ongoing war over privacy and lawful access to data
This court case isn't taking place in a vacuum. We're in the middle of a bitter feud between tech companies and law enforcement about the rise in the use of encryption.
In the years after NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden's revelations about the US government's mass-surveillance programs, there have been a heightened awareness of privacy issues and moves to strengthen protections on consumer products.
Apple has been one of the strongest voices in support of this move, and all new iPhones and Apple devices are now encrypted by default.
This has, predictably, infuriated some in law enforcement, who argue that vital evidence is "going dark." (Note: A recent Harvard study claims that rather than going dark, investigators have more evidence at their fingertips than ever before.)
James Comey, the director of the FBI, supports backdoors into encrypted products to allow law enforcement access when required, and there have also been legislative calls to mandate encryption backdoors.
Technologists and privacy advocates are strongly resisting this. There are numerous arguments against encryption backdoors, including that they would be subject to abuse by malicious hackers, that they would be ineffective because the criminals they intend to catch would simply switch to uncompromised encryption tools, and that it would set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian regimes to demand backdoor access from tech companies so they could crack down on activists and dissidents.
Apple is angrily rejecting 'overreach by the US government'
Let's get back to the San Bernardino case. What the FBI is asking for perhaps isn't a backdoor in the traditional sense - it's not an extra encryption key held in escrow that would let investigators immediately decrypt the iPhone data they're after.
But in an open letter published on Apple's website, CEO Tim Cook argues that it amounts to a backdoor - and that it's extremely "dangerous."
Cook says what the FBI is asking for does not exist, and Apple would have to make it. "The FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software - which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession."
He argues that complying will make ordinary people "less safe." In his words (emphasis ours):
The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that's simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks - from restaurants and banks to stores and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable.
The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers - including tens of millions of American citizens - from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. The same engineers who built strong encryption into the iPhone to protect our users would, ironically, be ordered to weaken those protections and make our users less safe.
We can find no precedent for an American company being forced to expose its customers to a greater risk of attack. For years, cryptologists and national security experts have been warning against weakening encryption. Doing so would hurt only the well-meaning and law-abiding citizens who rely on companies like Apple to protect their data. Criminals and bad actors will still encrypt, using tools that are readily available to them.
The Apple CEO then describes the demand as a "dangerous precedent," which would grant the US government "the power to reach into anyone's device to capture their data."
"The government," Cook continued, "could extend this breach of privacy and demand that Apple build surveillance software to intercept your messages, access your health records or financial data, track your location, or even access your phone's microphone or camera without your knowledge."
He concludes: "While we believe the FBI's intentions are good, it would be wrong for the government to force us to build a backdoor into our products. And ultimately, we fear that this demand would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect."
Activists are rallying in support of Apple
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group, is supporting Apple. It says it worries that the FBI's demands set a precedent and that if Apple is forced to create the code, then the code will be used again and again.
"For the first time, the government is requesting Apple write brand new code that eliminates key features of iPhone security - security features that protect us all," EFF deputy executive director Kurt Opsahl wrote in a blog.
"Essentially, the government is asking Apple to create a master key so that it can open a single phone. And once that master key is created, we're certain that our government will ask for it again and again, for other phones, and turn this power against any software or device that has the audacity to offer strong security. "
Opsahl added: "The US government wants us to trust that it won't misuse this power. But we can all imagine the myriad ways this new authority could be abused. Even if you trust the US government, once this master key is created, governments around the world will surely demand that Apple undermine the security of their citizens as well."
This isn't about one iPhone. If this precedent gets set it will spell digital disaster for the trustworthiness of any and every device.
- Kevin Bankston (@KevinBankston) February 17, 2016
FBI isn't looking for access to this phone. They want Apple to develop a forensics back door for them. http://pic.twitter.com/Hrx1NZ5o3X
- Jonathan Ździarski (@JZdziarski) February 17, 2016
What happens next?
The court order ordering Apple to assist the FBI finishes like so: "To the extent that Apple believes that compliance with this order would be unreasonably burdensome, it may make an application to this court for relief within five business days of receipt of the order."
Cook has made it clear his company is opposing the order, because "we feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the US government."
Now comes a (most likely lengthy) legal showdown between the FBI and Apple - one that privacy activists and law enforcement will be watching extremely carefully.
Here's the full letter from Apple:
February 16, 2016
A Message to Our Customers
The United States government has demanded that Apple take an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers. We oppose this order, which has implications far beyond the legal case at hand.
This moment calls for public discussion, and we want our customers and people around the country to understand what is at stake.
The Need for Encryption
Smartphones, led by iPhone, have become an essential part of our lives. People use them to store an incredible amount of personal information, from our private conversations to our photos, our music, our notes, our calendars and contacts, our financial information and health data, even where we have been and where we are going.
All that information needs to be protected from hackers and criminals who want to access it, steal it, and use it without our knowledge or permission. Customers expect Apple and other technology companies to do everything in our power to protect their personal information, and at Apple we are deeply committed to safeguarding their data.
Compromising the security of our personal information can ultimately put our personal safety at risk. That is why encryption has become so important to all of us.
For many years, we have used encryption to protect our customers' personal data because we believe it's the only way to keep their information safe. We have even put that data out of our own reach, because we believe the contents of your iPhone are none of our business.
The San Bernardino Case
We were shocked and outraged by the deadly act of terrorism in San Bernardino last December. We mourn the loss of life and want justice for all those whose lives were affected. The FBI asked us for help in the days following the attack, and we have worked hard to support the government's efforts to solve this horrible crime. We have no sympathy for terrorists.
When the FBI has requested data that's in our possession, we have provided it. Apple complies with valid subpoenas and search warrants, as we have in the San Bernardino case. We have also made Apple engineers available to advise the FBI, and we've offered our best ideas on a number of investigative options at their disposal.
We have great respect for the professionals at the FBI, and we believe their intentions are good. Up to this point, we have done everything that is both within our power and within the law to help them. But now the U.S. government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone.
Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software - which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession.
The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control.
The Threat to Data Security
Some would argue that building a backdoor for just one iPhone is a simple, clean-cut solution. But it ignores both the basics of digital security and the significance of what the government is demanding in this case.
In today's digital world, the "key" to an encrypted system is a piece of information that unlocks the data, and it is only as secure as the protections around it. Once the information is known, or a way to bypass the code is revealed, the encryption can be defeated by anyone with that knowledge.
The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that's simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks - from restaurants and banks to stores and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable.
The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers - including tens of millions of American citizens - from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. The same engineers who built strong encryption into the iPhone to protect our users would, ironically, be ordered to weaken those protections and make our users less safe.
We can find no precedent for an American company being forced to expose its customers to a greater risk of attack. For years, cryptologists and national security experts have been warning against weakening encryption. Doing so would hurt only the well-meaning and law-abiding citizens who rely on companies like Apple to protect their data. Criminals and bad actors will still encrypt, using tools that are readily available to them.
A Dangerous Precedent
Rather than asking for legislative action through Congress, the FBI is proposing an unprecedented use of the All Writs Act of 1789 to justify an expansion of its authority.
The government would have us remove security features and add new capabilities to the operating system, allowing a passcode to be input electronically. This would make it easier to unlock an iPhone by "brute force," trying thousands or millions of combinations with the speed of a modern computer.
The implications of the government's demands are chilling. If the government can use the All Writs Act to make it easier to unlock your iPhone, it would have the power to reach into anyone's device to capture their data. The government could extend this breach of privacy and demand that Apple build surveillance software to intercept your messages, access your health records or financial data, track your location, or even access your phone's microphone or camera without your knowledge.
Opposing this order is not something we take lightly. We feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the U.S. government.
We are challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.
While we believe the FBI's intentions are good, it would be wrong for the government to force us to build a backdoor into our products. And ultimately, we fear that this demand would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect.
Tim Cook
These Star Wars-Calvin and Hobbes Illustrations Are Simply Adorable
If you appreciate a good Star Wars mashup, these latest comics by artist Brian Kesinger are bound to make you smile. Brian has managed to perfectly merge the movie with the popular comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. If you remember, the cartoon is about a young boy going on adventures with his stuffed toy who comes to life.
"Bill Watterson has been one of my biggest artistic influences so it was a fun opportunity to combine two of my favorite things," said the artist.
In one scene, Rey and BB-8 go sledding down the dunes of Jakku, which is a tribute to the iconic scene where Hobbes sits behind Calvin as they, too, go sledding down a hill. Not surprisingly, Brian's artwork is amazing and gives off intense nostalgia. He is a story artist for Disney Animation Studios and an artist for Marvel Comics, after all.
Read on to see more of his incredible work!
Move Over, Potatoes! 9 Delicious Ways to Cook Yuca
Growing up in a Latin household, you're probably already familiar with yuca, also known as cassava or manioca. But there's a reason your mom let you eat yuca fry after yuca fry without any objection: the root vegetable is a longtime staple of Latin American cuisine not only because of its delicious starchy flavor but also for its healthy powers fighting inflammation and even high blood pressure. Now that Mom is not always around to cook the veggie for you, it's time to try your hand at making the comfort food. Yuca can be mashed or steamed, or even cooked in soups or desserts - seriously! Keep scrolling for nine recipes to get you started, then check out even more warm and cozy recipes.
Queen Letizia of Spain Isn't Afraid to Wear a Good Outfit More Than Once - or Twice
When it comes to fashion, no one can call Queen Letizia of Spain wasteful. The royal wears and rewears the same pieces with total confidence - sometimes in the same month - getting photographed at official events and meetings with dignitaries in recycled outfits like it's no big deal. Whether it's a classic white dress with black leather trimming, a trendy statement jacket, or even a white shirt and A-line skirt combo, the queen knows what styles work for her, reaching for the same outfit from head to toe often. We don't blame her! The classic items in her closet could really carry her through her entire reign. Keep scrolling to see just 22 of the many outfits the Queen has grown fond of, then check out her style evolution through the years.
Here's Your Guide to the Top Destination to Visit in 2016: Mexico City
Image Source: Esteban Fuentes de Maria
Mexico City is one of the largest, most vibrant cities in the world, so it's no wonder that The New York Times recently named it the number one place to visit in 2016. I'm from Puebla, just an hour's drive outside of Mexico City. My friends and I love to head into the city on weekends to soak up the rich culture. Whether it's a show, a concert, or a nightclub, there is literally never a dull moment.
If you are planning on visiting the top destination to travel to this year or have already booked a trip, here's an insider guide to all the must-see places. Consider this your ultimate Mexico City bucket list.
Teotihuacan
Image Source: Esteban Fuentes de Maria
This imposing city of the gods, located on the outskirts of Mexico City, preserves the remains of one of the most important civilizations of Mesoamerica, the Aztecs. It offers majestic buildings, including The Pyramid of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, and the Avenue of the Dead. The beauty of this place and its mystical energy will amaze you. Plan to spend an entire day here.
Museo Soumaya
Image Source: Esteban Fuentes de Maria
If you're into the arts, the Soumaya Museum has one of the most impressive collections in Mexico City. Sponsored by the Carlos Slim Foundation and free of charge to visitors, the Soumaya offers some of the best exhibits in paintings, sculptures, coins, and folk art.
Museo Frida Kahlo in Coyoacán
Definitely one of the most interesting museums in Mexico City, it's located in Kahlo's childhood home - where she grew up before meeting her famous painter husband, Diego Rivera. The museum is a walk down Kahlo's life as a feminist painter, through her art, quotes, and photographs. It's packed with a punch of color and will not disappoint. Plan to arrive early before the crowds get there; however, once you are in, it will not take long to make your way through.
Next, walk out into the neighborhood of Coyoacán, the cultural and colonial heart of the city. This vibrant area is thriving with restaurants, bookstores, sidewalk cafes, and a quaint plaza where you can sit and people-watch while enjoying ice cream from the shops surrounding it. Be sure to take a walk through the historical monuments and amazing gilded churches, too.
Castillo de Chapultepec
Image Source: Debora Balcazar
The Chapultepec Castle is witness to the history of Mexico, located at the top of the Chapultepec hill and in the middle of Mexico City's version of Central Park. Originally a military school, it later served as the home of Emperor Maximilian and his wife, Carlota, before the Mexican government executed Maximilian and Carlota went mad from grief. It has beautiful gardens and artifacts full of history. You can take a leisurely stroll up the hill until you reach the castle and enjoy the amazing view of the city.
Basílica de Guadalupe
This is a place where history and faith intersect in a simply extraordinary way. Visited each year by more than 12 million faithful, the Basílica is located just at the foot of Tepeyac Hill and is considered one of the leading Catholic campuses across America. Its scale and its importance will astound you.
Masaryk (Polanco-Shopping)
Looking for a place to see and be seen? When it comes to shopping, Avenida Presidente Masaryk is the most exclusive street in the city. With its designer boutiques and jewelry stores, Masaryk provides a sophisticated atmosphere (similar to Rodeo Drive) with some of the finest hotels, the most exclusive art galleries, and the trendiest restaurants. Speaking of food - lunchtime in Mexico City does not begin before 2 p.m., so don't bother showing up to a restaurant before then.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Image Source: Esteban Fuentes de Maria
Where to begin? This Fine Arts Palace is such an imposing structure. It's home to the National Symphony, the Mexican Opera Company, the National Dance Company, and the world-famous Folkloric Ballet, as well as a museum with murals by Mexico's most famous artists: José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and Diego Rivera.
If you're into art, the facade is mostly neoclassical with some touches of art noveau, yet when you enter the grand foyer, the style changes to art deco - it's such a visual treat. Plan to attend one of the musical or dance events there, if you can. At the very least, walk by and notice how the palace, like many of the surrounding buildings, is sinking, because it's sitting on a dried-up lakebed from the Aztec time.
Palacio de Correos
Also known as the Main Post Office, it's a jewel of architecture with its eclectic mix of styles ranging from Renaissance revival to art deco. The interior is filled with lots of gold and intricate ironwork. Since admission is free, it's definitely worth going.
Zócalo and Cathedral (Centro)
The historic center of the city, with its imposing cathedral on one side and the Presidential Palace on the other, faces one of the largest squares in the world: the Zócalo. All the streets leading into the Zócalo are a reflection of Mexico's culture and history.
Xochimilco
Image Source: Isabel Ortega
Located in the south of the city, Xochimilco means "place of flowers" in Nahuatl. The name was given to the area because almost the entire population in the neighborhood works in the cultivation of flowers. Arrive around lunchtime, hire a trajinera - the large barges adorned with fresh flowers - and plan to spend the afternoon floating through the canals. Sit back and let the barge driver do all the work. Food and music barges floating by will complete your festive afternoon.
Restaurants
If you're interested in exploring Mexico City's food scene even more, these are the restaurants you should have on your radar.
In Polanco:
In La Roma:
The Swimwear You Need This Spring Break
Is it Spring Break yet? Because we're impatiently counting the days until we're able to escape the frigid snow and rainy weather, bring out our favorite sunglasses and light dresses, and put on a brand-new swimsuit.
To make sure we're all ready for that warm trip on the horizon, we've put together this inspiring shopping list of new swimwear as modeled by some of your favorite Latina fashion bloggers. Next time you're on the beach, you'll be rocking sheer paneling, a cross-front one-piece, and even long sleeves. Keep reading to find your shopping list.
4 Telltale Signs Your Significant Other Is Now Just Your Roommate
The following post was originally featured on Love Sujeiry and written by Sujeiry Gonzalez, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Latina.
Moving in together is one of the biggest relationship milestones. And it changes everything. You're sharing a space together. Your things are now "our" things. You can't just come and go as you please. It's the epitome of "me" versus "we," and "we" must be the priority.
Hopefully, you adjust to life together and find a good balance between romance, partnership and individuality. This way the romance doesn't burn out. If there is a lack of balance, arguments and emotional distance ensue. Soon, your lover feels more like your roommate.
How can you tell if your no longer in love or even in lust? Here are four signs that point to this detrimental relationship shift.
You Feel Alone Even When He's at Home
You are sitting next to each other but there is tension. You don't even eat dinner together or chill! You hardly talk and sit at opposite ends of the couch most of the time.
He Is No Longer Affectionate
Unless you don't like or need sweet caresses, a lack of affection is a red flag in any relationship. That's especially the case if you live with someone and you don't even kiss each other good morning. Couples set routines for affection, like saying "I love you" before bedtime or texting sweet messages throughout the day. If you have both stopped doing all of these things (especially saying "I love you"), this is the beginning of the end.
You Sleep in Separate Beds or Rooms
Sleeping together builds intimacy. That's when pillow talk occurs and you can express your feelings. If he sleeps in the guest room, chances are your relationship is strained. Sure, people get mad and sleep in different rooms, but this shouldn't be the norm. Neither of you should prefer to fall asleep on the living room couch.
You Don't Have Sex
If you're not having sex with your man and you have no interest in sex with him (or vice versa), your relationship is on its last leg. Sex and intimacy are what separates a romantic relationship from a friendship. At this point, he's pretty much there to help you pay the rent or mortgage.
If any of these signs ring true, get help. Talk to a therapist or a counselor at church. Just do something. If you don't, "we" will become "me" for good.
I'm Black and Latina: How I Embrace Both Sides
Living in the melting pot that is New York City, I don't often have to give much thought to my racial identity. Passersby on the street or the cashier at the bodega aren't really paying much attention to where I'm from or why my hair curls the way it does - unless, of course, the bodega man is trying to get my phone number.
That diverse bubble can make me forget about the challenges of growing up the product of an African-American father and a Puerto Rican mother in white suburbia. But watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Potomac recently (don't judge me, I'm a proud reality TV junkie), transported me to high school for a moment. When a black housewife pressured a fellow cast member, whose mother is African American and father was Jewish, to identify her race, I had flashbacks of the black kids in school telling me I wasn't black enough or joking that I was Mexican. It reminded me of explaining to my white classmates that yes, it is possible to be both black and Puerto Rican, and that no, they could not touch my hair.
A few days later, a work associate said she had no idea that I was Puerto Rican because I'd previously simply said I was mixed. I clarified that yes, I'm mixed, with both black and Puerto Rican. The conversation was quickly over, but I couldn't help feeling like I was in that same hot seat at the Real Housewives table, struggling to find the answer: had I answered wrong the first time around? How do I identify? Biracial? Multiracial? Mixed? African American? Black? Latina? Hispanic? Afro-Latina? There are a ton of options in my case, and I wondered if maybe it was time for me to have a go-to response ready for these situations.
But being biracial and figuring out the answer to "What are you?" is more complicated than you might think, all because of one emotion: guilt. When someone asks me my race and I say African American before Puerto Rican, is that a betrayal to my grandmother, who came to the Bronx from Puerto Rico with little to her name? And when an online job application doesn't allow me to check both Hispanic and African American - seriously, people? It's 2016! - is simply selecting Hispanic disloyal to the grandmother who regularly took me to the Blacks in Wax Museum and taught me to be proud of who I am?
To figure out the answer to "The Identity Question," I looked to both sides of my family for inspiration. Despite some major bumps along the way, they were somehow able to blend two cultures and redefine what family meant to them. Holidays have included mac and cheese, pernil, collard greens, platanos, and plenty of hot sauce for both sides. And while my dad's family might stumble over Celia Cruz anthems, everyone knows the words to Michael Jackson songs. If my family can create their own unique racial identity, then so can I.
So to all future employers, guys I will date, or reality stars, here's how I identify: I am Arianna. I'm a writer with big hair, a passion for travel, and an obsession with Drake. I also happen to be black. I also happen to be Puerto Rican. I am Latina, I am African American. I raise my fist just as proudly during Black History Month as I do during Hispanic Heritage Month. I don't have to put myself in a box, and I sure as hell don't have to check just one box on a job application or dating app. I am the sum of all the things that make me who I am, from mac and cheese to platanos, with a little hot sauce on top.
Finally! Perfect Wine Pairings For Girl Scout Cookies
The only thing that could possibly make Girl Scout Cookies even better is a good wine pairing. And since it's officially Girl Scout Cookie season (insert praise hands emoji here), the experts at Club W have shared their suggestions. Whether you're planning a girls' night in or want to upgrade your solo movie night, you'll want to know which bottle(s) to pick up based on your cookie preference. Get ready for a match made in heaven.
Lemonades: Sauvignon Blanc
Citrusy iced lemonade cookies pair well with the tangy brightness of Sauvignon Blanc. A chilled bottle of white wine with lemony cookies on a warm day? Yes, please.
Shortbread: Grenache Blanc
What the heck is Grenache Blanc? It's a full-bodied white wine that's "about as universally delicious as a white wine can be," Club W explains. The subtle notes of vanilla complement the buttery cookie.
Samoas: Tuscan Red Blends
In other words, coconut-caramel-dark-chocolate cookies go well with red blends from Tuscany, Italy, or red blends with grapes like Syrah.
Thin Mints: Red Blends
Red wine and chocolate go together like macaroni and cheese. What complements irresistible Thin Mints best are deep, smooth red wines like berry-driven Noirs.
Tagalongs: Cabernet
Tagalongs are rich, chocolate-peanut-butter bliss, and they need a bold wine to match, and Cabernet can stand up to the layers of flavor in the soft and crunchy cookie.
Karen Rodriguez's Spanish Cover of Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself" Might Be Better Than the Original
YouTube singer and American Idol alum Karen Rodriguez is back with another Spanish-language cover of a popular hit. This time, she transformed Justin Bieber's song "Love Yourself" into a beautiful, slowed-down melody called "Quiérete A Ti."
Maybe it's the flowers in the background or the romantic sound of the piano, but Karen's version, performed in the Sirius XM studios, is even better than the original. We're definitely adding it to our romantic playlist immediately. Watch the video above to hear the full song.
Listen Up Harry Potter Fans - Here's How to Hack Butterbeer at Starbucks
Starbucks and Harry Potter fans, hold onto your sorting hats. If you're dying to try butterbeer but are just not going to take the time to make it at home, you're going to want to try Starbucks's newest drink, the Smoked Butterscotch Latte. We were skeptical when we heard claims that the drink resembled butterbeer, so we turned to our resident Harry Potter World experts, and guess what they said? "Tastes like straight-up butterbeer."
The main difference, of course, is the coffee taste - real butterbeer is free of coffee, so if you want the closest thing to the Harry Potter drink without having to travel, order the latte with no espresso so it becomes steamed milk, smoked butterscotch syrup, and a sprinkle of smoky butterscotch sugar on top.
That's not to say the drink was well liked by everyone. Other co-workers' comments were "tastes like sweet milk," "doesn't taste like butterscotch," and "not sweet - too smoked." Obviously everyone's palates (and coffee preferences) are different, so there's no guaranteeing you'll like it or not, but the limited-edition drink is worth a try if you're a butterscotch (or butterbeer) fan.
Parmesan-Lovers, Everything You've Known About the Cheese Could Be a Lie
Cheese aficionados, brace yourself for the upsetting news to come. If parmesan is on your list of favorites, you may want to reconsider it, or at least be very selective with brands moving forward. Turns out that what you thought you've been eating may actually be filled with cheaper substitutes like white cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, or worse - wood pulp.
According to Bloomberg Business, the FDA visited Castle Cheese Inc. in 2012 based on a tip and discovered some unsettling evidence. The Pennsylvania cheese factory, which supplies grated cheese to Target's Market Pantry brand and Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., has been claiming to have a product with 100 percent real parmesan when in fact "no parmesan cheese was used to manufacture."
Suppliers have been skimping customers on promised quality because it's simply cheaper. A subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America has also stated that of 28 tested brands, only one-third of labels are actually correct due to the excessive addition of cellulose, which comes from wood pulp and helps prevent clumping. Although cellulose is safe at two to four percent, grated parmesan products distributed in large grocery chains hold more than the acceptable amount. The following results were found by a cheese technologist cited by Bloomberg:
Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, from Jewel-Osco, was 8.8 percent cellulose, while Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese registered 7.8 percent, according to test results. Whole Foods 365 brand didn't list cellulose as an ingredient on the label, but still tested at 0.3 percent. Kraft had 3.8 percent.
The brands above are currently looking into the matter. It wasn't until recently that the FDA started to crack down on this case of mislabeling, since its priority has always been investigating health hazards. But it looks like the agency is onto cheese companies and will continue to keep a close eye. The president of Castle Cheese may even be facing a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
If it feels like your whole life has been a lie, you're not alone. We won't blame you for having trust issues at this point. Weigh in with your thoughts here.
The 13 Best Oscars Hair Moments of All Time
The ballots are closed, and the votes are in for the 2016 Oscars - but before we look forward, we wanted to take a minute to look back and remember some of the best Oscars hairstyles from past years. From Lupita Nyong'o's diamond-accented curls to Kate Winslet's faux bob, these 'dos are sure to inspire you. Read on!
Inside My Hilarious, Surreal 5 Minutes Interviewing Kylie Jenner
When I met my beauty idol Kylie Jenner, this was not the first word I expected her to say. "PIZZAAAAAAAAAA," she clamored as I entered the green room of a swanky New York City hotel. The 18-year-old slouched in her wicker chair, as her nude, backless sequin gown sparkled in a pool around her. A bevy of publicists, pals, and cameramen bustled about, tending to her every need and documenting every moment. I stood there, trying not to look slack-jawed or starstruck.
"Pizza! 8:30. It's going down," the reality princess announced resolutely.
Whether this was meant for her squad of managers (sans momager Kris Jenner) or her friends - Jordyn Woods and Harry Hudson - was unclear. As her publicists debated whether or not Chipotle was a safe option for a snack, Kylie decided to order food from the hotel. "A cheeseburger. Just ketchup and cheese," she declared. ". . . And pizza on the side."
I was there to interview Kylie about her upcoming nail lacquer collection with SinfulColors, a brand known for selling ultratrendy shades at an affordable price. The King Kylie Sinful Shine collection was designed to be a UV-free gel polish alternative. Each of the 21 bottles (20 hues and a glossy topcoat) will cost only $3, the perfect price point for the star's young fans.
While this is not Kylie's first beauty venture, we predict it will be one of her most successful ones. Kylie has collaborated with skin care line Nip+Fab and hair extension collection Bellami and has launched her own lip colors late last year, but King Kylie Sinful Shine is the most accessible of her products (you'll be able to grab them at Walmart). And when you have over 51 million followers on Instagram alone, accessibility is important.
She is arguably the most impactful celebrity when it comes to millennial beauty culture, and a big component of that success stems from the fact that Kylie seems to share every aspect of her life on social media. Videos of the star getting her hair cut on Snapchat sends followers into a frenzy. As soon as she hints that her Lip Kits are being restocked, they sell out in a matter of minutes. Her fans obsess over and strive to duplicate even the smallest steps in her beauty routine. I am one of those fans.
I keep up with the Kardashians just to catch a glimpse of her, I plumped my pucker to see if I could duplicate her look (bruising myself in the process), and I've spent my hard-earned money on her Lip Kits. So naturally, I got up an extra hour early to cover my face with contouring cream, thick false lashes, and eyebrow gel in anticipation of meeting her. And of course, I slicked on Posie K Lip Kit.
Because I myself am 27 and she has reached this level of beauty notoriety, it's easy for me to forget that behind this flawless persona is an 18-year-old girl, albeit a stunningly beautiful one. Once her cheeseburger order had been handled, I was beckoned forward to sit beside her. Kylie's skin appeared satiny smooth, her teeth impossibly white, and her famous lips larger than life. Her attention, however, was on mine.
"What are you wearing right now?" she asked, gesturing to my lipstick. When I divulged that it was her own product, she lit up. "I love it - she's wearing Posie!" she shouted to her team, and they cheered. "I knew it. I could tell," Kylie insisted.
She then looked out to the balcony. From where we were seated, we had a breathtaking view of Midtown Manhattan. It was obvious that the stormy sky was going to give way to a remarkable sunset.
"You guys, the sky! I need to go outside," she exclaimed, almost to herself. "This is, like, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Kylie turned back to me and started talking about the names she gave each polish (including Koko-Nuts, a shimmery white shade named after Khloé Kardashian). But soon she was distracted again by the breathtaking pink sky. "Harry!" she called, as she stood up and ran outside.
"Don't fall!" pleaded her publicists as she tottered across the balcony in her neutral-colored stilettos - her entourage trailing close behind.
It was at this moment that I witnessed what it must be like behind the scenes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. It was a completely surreal setting: no fewer than five people - photographers, friends, and more - ran outside with Kylie as she posed, arms open like Kate Winslet in the iconic Titanic posters. Pink and gold lighting bounced off her face, her glimmering gown, and the city skyline. They snapped photos for a few minutes, which is when Kylie noticed me watching her on the balcony. Her expression sobered a bit, and she trotted back in, shivering.
Though she was obviously cold, her lips betrayed an impish, devious grin as she looked from team member to team member. It seemed as if she was waiting for someone to scold her a bit, but the only remarks were about how Kylie must be freezing. She sat down next to me, and a stylist came over to fix her windblown mane. "Your hair looks great," reassured a publicist, and heat lamps came on to warm Kylie up. I perspired in my thick sweater.
Sure, while having a crew is beyond the norm, it was not uncommon typical teenager behavior. (Or just millennial behavior: who hasn't stopped everything in order to take a photo of brunch before it's demolished?) She would later explain that she needed to take those shots for social media. "I just like to post . . . life and views." A lone image of that once-in-a-lifetime sunset, absent of Kylie, would later be posted to her Snapchat.
Conversation turned back to beauty. Though she remained mum on what would be next from Kylie Cosmetics, she divulged that she's especially interested in expanding to include foundations, naming Armani Face Fabric ($51) and Charlotte Tilbury's formula ($45) as two of her favorites.
I then caught a glimpse of her hands, which Kylie had been arranging and rearranging in her lap. Her fingers were studded with stacks of rings, but I focused on her nails. They were painted with three shades from her collection - the aforementioned Koko-Nuts as the base color, with accents of rose gold Kreme de la Kreme and turquoise Kryptonite in a subtle take on a half moon design. But more notably, she was wearing her own nails in an elegant rounded shape instead of the acrylics, which she is known for.
"I just realized that long nails are so scary, and then I just cut them off," she explained. "They just really freaked me and Jordyn out. We were just looking at them one day, and they were so long. [We were, like,] 'This is so weird. Why do people do this? Why do people, like, add to their nails?'"
Before being ushered out, I posed for a selfie with Kylie, who took charge of the camera. She began snapping away, changing the angle of her chin and the degree of her smile. I was completely unprepared for nearly all of these shots but was delighted to have a souvenir of my time with her.
Shaking slightly, thanks to the adrenaline rush of having met Kylie, I went straight to the bar. Pink cocktails with Pop Rocks-covered rims floated by, but I opted for a glass of Champagne. "Excuse me," said one of the cameramen from the green room. "Would you be interested in possibly being on Keeping Up With the Kardashians?" He handed me a release form to sign.
Keeping my cool, I accepted the pen and added my signature without even reading it. (It was my chance at fame, after all!) "If you make it, the episode should air this Spring," he explained. I nodded, barely registering this remark as an enormous nail- polish-bottle-shaped cake was carried past me. As lavish and exciting as this all was, it made me think about how strictly structured Kylie's life must be.
If her schedule is close to what it seems like from a fan's perspective, she is constantly flying around the world, stripping down and getting glam for photo shoots, meeting with beauty and fashion executives, and filming for her app. It may seem glamorous on the surface, but it must also be exhausting.
When I was 18, I was in college studying, rehearsing for my music degree, and sneaking sips of Smirnoff Ice drinks. During my magical five minutes with Kylie, I inquired what she does to decompress, and she responded, "Just be with my friends, and hang out . . . Have friend time, and be 18." That made me a little sad. It's very cool that she has the luxury of being able to bring her friends with her when she's working, but I can imagine that the ultimate luxury for her is doing nothing with them at home.
I am still a big Kylie fan after meeting with her. I admire her dedication to beauty, her brands, and her lifestyle. But above all, I hope that she can find the time during the last of her teenage years to enjoy her youth. She once told reporters that she fears her next birthday and doesn't want to get older than 18. While I wouldn't wish to be that age ever again (your mid-20s are so much better!), I do miss the days of having few responsibilities. And if I were Kylie, I'd acknowledge those days are already scarce - and revel in them, ordering cheeseburgers with pizza on the side while I could.
The Truth About Dyeing Your Hair Rainbow Colors
Every time we scroll through Instagram, someone else is dyeing their hair a vibrant hue. Kylie Jenner went blue, Julianne Hough decided on pink, and Zosia Mamet is looking pretty good in gray. This trend is not just reserved for celebrities. We spotted street style stars rocking bright hair shades during Fashion Week, and all our girlfriends are doing it, too. We think it's safe to say the rainbow-hair trend is going to be around for a few more seasons.
If you're thinking about dyeing your mane, you can always use hair chalk or temporary sprays to get a bold hair color for the weekend. We're firm believers in the mantra "go big or go home," so we enlisted the help of Lucille Javier at Sally Hershberger Salon to give us a more permanent option. With Lucille's help, our POPSUGAR assistant fashion editor went from classic blond to cotton-candy colored. The watercolor effect mixes tones of blue and purple and causes an instant happy feeling. Over the course of four hours, she was bleached, glossed, and dyed this gorgeous amethyst color. The shade lasts about six weeks (depending on how often you wash) and slowly fades.
"Surprisingly my style feels less inhibited," said model Aemilia Madden. "Since nothing will match my hair anyways, I can wear whatever and be more playful with my style." Thinking of a colorful transition? We've broken down the step-by-step process along with Lucille's tips, from the questions you need to ask before your colorist breaks out the bleach to product suggestions for your new haute hue.
This Flawless Adele Makeup Look Isn't Actually on Adele's Face
We had to do a double, no, triple take when we saw this photo. We're all entranced by Adele's beauty (mom hair and all), but despite the signature cat eye and telltale pouty lips, the woman you see before you is not Adele. No, that is Ellinor Hellborg, a Swedish fan of the singer.
Ellinor regularly posts pretty selfies showcasing her makeup skills on her Instagram page, but she fielded so many pleas for an Adele-inspired face that she took on the challenge. The end result is uncannny, don't you think? "I'm a huge fan of hers and hearing you all say I look like her is such a compliment!" Ellinor declared.
Seeing this gorgeous look has inspired us to test out our own Adele makeup skills - the singer's go-to style is classic, elegant, and, best of all, simple! Read on to see more proof that Ellinor is Adele's look-alike, then shop our favorite products to re-create the look at home.
Even Angel Romee Strijd Is Obsessed With Gigi Hadid's Modeling Career
Dutch beauty Romee Strijd won the modeling lottery. In 2014 she joined the roster at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show; in 2015, she was named an Angel; and this month, she has been announced as the face of VS's new fragrance called XO, Victoria. Getting cast in a solo campaign is a BFD when your competition includes names like Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge, and Alessandra Ambrosio. But Romee proved she has what it takes to star in commercials (which you can exclusively preview, below!) and photo ads much like the supermodel footsteps she fills.
After chatting with Romee on the phone, it was clear she has that effortlessly gorgeous unicorn quality the other Angels possess. She credits water as the best makeup remover, DIYs beach waves by wearing her hair in a simple bun, and is a French pharmacy junkie. She won me over when she shared an endearing story that before she got into modeling, she wanted to be a cleaning lady (she liked to help her mom tidy their home). And just like me, she looks up to Gigi Hadid for having a wildly successful career. If you already feel like you want to be friends with Romee, then keep reading to fall more in love with her girl-next-door personality.
You'll Want to Master These New Nail Trends From Fashion Week ASAP
During Fashion Week, even the smallest details of a designer's show are intricately planned - including the fingernails. Mastering the manicures of the runway is an essential component of rocking next season's beauty trends. From over-the-top designs to minimalistic lines, these nail trends are sure to turn heads! Keep checking back thoughout the week so you can be the first of your friends to try out these fresh finger looks.
This Genius Hack Will Save You When You Can't Find a Hair Tie
Most women can probably relate to hastily trying to put together a semidecent updo with only 10 minutes to dash out the door for work. As you're reaching over to your wrist to grab your hair tie, you come up empty-handed. You search all the corners of your cluttered vanity and still can't find an elastic to secure your ponytail.
So now what do you do? Relax! This simple hack is the perfect solution to vanishing hair ties. Instead of using bands or clips, all you need to do is fiddle with your own strands. The result is a perfectly polished updo - no hair accessories required. Keep on watching to learn how to master it.
The Powerful Hashtag That Is Encouraging Women to Flaunt Their Natural Hair
The curly, kinky, coarse hair that grows from a black woman's scalp is not something she chooses - it is something she is born with. We style our complex strands in a variety of cornrows, twists, braids, and puffs. But for centuries - and sadly, still today - we've been told that the way we choose to wear our natural hair isn't acceptable.
Men and women of color alike have been told that wearing their hair in its natural state isn't considered "professional" or as pretty as chemically treated strands. But now more than ever, people are not apologizing for their God-given kinks. I've worked among the most beautiful curls in the most professional of environments. And most recently, more models than ever have been seen flaunting their curls on the runways during New York Fashion Week.
For a moment, I felt that seeing all these glorious curls on the catwalk was a light at the end of the tunnel for women with natural hair. But my joy was slightly dimmed after learning that a group of girls from a high school in the Bahamas were suspended for wearing their natural strands in a puff.
According to the school's principal, T. Nicola McKay, the suspension was due to the students' manes being worn left out and looking "untidy and unkept." McKay declared that this is a recurring problem that the school is trying to control. Turkessa Deleveaux, one of the student's mothers, took to her Facebook page to express her anger about her child being suspended for wearing her natural hair. She urged parents to encourage their kids and "support their puffs."
The phrase sparked a viral hashtag. Men and women took to their social media feeds to share pictures of their curls in support of the students. A petition was even started, asking Bahamian voters to consider the damaging effects of telling young children that their hair isn't good enough.
While seeing all the images of people fighting back with their natural strands is truly empowering, the suspension of these students only proves that the world still has strides left to take to break down unrealistic beauty standards. Hopefully the rise of the #SupportThePuff movement will inspire all women of all ages to unapologetically love the hair and skin they were born with. Read on to see more of the powerful tweets.
How I Learned to Love My Skin Without Makeup
When I was 3, I remember playing with tiny lipsticks - they were samples my grandmother would accumulate from the makeup counter. I loved them. They were just the right size for my small hands, and all the "movie stars" wore lipstick, so getting to wear it myself meant I was beautiful enough to be on the big screen, right?
That fascination with lipstick got me into trouble - laughably so - when I took said lipstick and not only applied it to my lips, but all over my face, the carpet, and the wall. But that was when my love of makeup began. Growing up, I loved reading about how you could hide things like blemishes and dark circles with concealer. My eyelashes are naturally long, but I love how full they look with a few coats of mascara. And growing up, it became an art form for me. I was able to transform myself from one person to the next (dramatic or not) with the power of makeup.
You always think your worst breakouts will be during puberty or in high school, but the worst bouts of acne I've faced have been during my adult life. It's annoying - and embarrassing to an extent. I'm getting my life together - why can't my skin cooperate? Pile that on top of melasma, and it feels like my skin was never meant to be clear. So using makeup was a way to give me that even-toned skin I always wanted to have.
But that's the thing: my makeup went from being an artistic outlet and a "feel good" mechanism to something I needed - something I used as a crutch. I found myself looking in the mirror and feeling ugly without it. I compared myself to people with massive amounts of FaceTune and perfect Instagram filters, people with copious amounts of Photoshop editors at their disposal.
I realized how unnecessarily sick this mindset was and decided it was time I stop criticizing my flaws, because, you know what? Everyone has them. Plenty of my girlfriends come to me for beauty advice, looking for answers on how to get rid of lines, minimize pores, hide cellulite, and, just like me, get clear, gorgeous, glowing skin. We all want these things, and we all want to look good. But when you're doing it because you feel the need to keep up with an ideal of beauty that is not only unattainable but isn't real? That's when things start to go downhill.
Time to change our perspective, ladies and gentlemen. You are so much more than your complexion. Don't use your makeup as a sword or armor to hide behind; use it to enhance your own beauty. Use it to feel good about yourself - and not what you think others want to see, or what you think appeases others' standards of what is beautiful.
Hope you enjoy this week's #PrettyUnfiltered. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and tag a friend who might need to hear this message!
4 Free Half-Marathon Training Apps
Whether you're setting up for your first half marathon or you're trying to smash your PR, having a training plan is essential for success (even if that just means crossing the finish line). Not sure where to start? Here are four free apps that have half-marathon-specific training programs (and more!) to get you well on your way to race day success.
Runkeeper
Runkeeper asks you to start by setting your goal with either running or walking, then choose a distance from one mile to 5k, all the way through an ultramarathon (Runkeeper has some pretty unique options like fun run and even a kids' run). From there, set your date. There are time-specific free plans, for example: trying to run a sub-2:30 half marathon? Runkeeper will set you up for 16 weeks of daily training instruction to beat that PR.
There are race-specific programs as well, but there's a fee for those. If you're training for the San Francisco Half Marathon, for example, the app has eight-, 12-, and 18-week training plans specific to that course. Because they're premium plans, they'll cost you $10 per month or $40 per year, depending on your payment choice.
Nike+ Running
The Nike+ Running program is based on distance and skill level, and they're optimized for weekend race dates. Under the Coach function in the app, you start a program for a 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon. From there, choose beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and Nike creates a daily schedule, including rest days and cross-training days, when you'll be encouraged to swim, bike, or take a yoga class. Each day of running will have a goal distance, but the time is totally up to you. Nike's program is capped at 12 weeks, so if your race date is too far out, it'll tell you to get five miles per week in until your training program is ready to start.
MapMyRun Trainer Powered by Under Armour
MapMyRun and Under Armour team up to provide free training plans designed by Olympians, from 5k to 50k. In the half marathon program, you can choose from the "Walk-Run," "Couch to Half," or "Current Runner" plans. After you've chosen a program, pick your long run day of the week, how many runs you'd like to complete per week, and your event date. Track each run from the dashboard, and the app will break down how to run and for how long each day (ex: walk two minutes, run three minutes, repeat).
MY ASICS Run Training
With the options of 5k, five mile, 10k, 10 mile, half, or full marathon, the Asics training app creates a very personal plan. Set your date, your goal time, your previous experience (how long you've run before), your PR, age, and gender - Asics then comes up with a prediction based on all your information. You can share your plan on Facebook to cement your commitment to your plan publicly. The more your run, the more the app will assess your pace and adjust your plan to be entirely specific to your needs. Each run day will have a goal pace with notes and instructions.
Meet the Base Body Babes, Australia's Most Fashionable Fit-fluencers
Australian trainers and sisters Felicia Oreb and Diana Johnson make fitness look more fashionable than ever. Their brand, Base Body Babes, provides workout and nutrition guides, as well as personal training, in which they use a combination style of strength and circuit-style resistance training. And they do all of this with unparalleled style and edge.
These girls really walk the walk. Their passion to inspire women and educate them on "how to work out, eat healthily, get in shape, and maintain it for life" is totally embodied in everything they do. Check out the highlights from their impeccably curated Instagram - which has amassed over half a million fans - with everything from sweet sneakers to smoothie bowls. Living a healthy life has never looked so beautiful.
Related: 12 Women Who Will Make You Want to Do the Tone It Up Workouts
Everything You Need to Know About Baking With Coconut Oil
Uses for coconut oil are popping up everywhere these days, like in the kitchen for high-heat searing but also as a beauty aid for smoothing split ends. Hey, why not? Just one whiff of the stuff whisks you away to a tropical beach - piña colada in hand. But why on earth would anyone want to use coconut oil for baking? Here's a short list:
- It's vegan.
- It's a lot healthier for your heart than butter, shortening, and many other oils.
- Its flavor and mouthfeel are melt-in-your-mouth magical - after all, isn't that the point of indulging in baked goods in the first place?
Ready to bake with it? Read on for answers to all your questions about baking with coconut oil.
Can I really substitute coconut oil for butter?
You bet. "Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature (it melts at 74 degrees), it is the closest oil there is to butter in terms of how it works in a recipe," said Vegetarian Times food editor Mary Margaret Chappell.
Should I substitute coconut oil for butter or other oils at a 1:1 ratio?
Yes. If you are subbing for butter or shortening, use it as a solid at room temperature. If you are subbing for oil, simply melt it on the stovetop or in a microwave. Note: it melts super fast!
Which baked goods work best with coconut oil - and why?
Coconut oil works wonderfully in cakes, brownies, cookies, pie crusts, breads, crumbles, and frosting - especially those with tropical, chocolaty, or fresh and citrusy flavors. "I reach for coconut oil mainly when I'm making pie crusts and frostings," said Chappell. "You can cream coconut oil with sugar at the start of a cake recipe and beat it into frostings." Her absolute favorite use: in homemade chocolates! "A little coconut oil gives them a shine and a firmer texture than straight chocolate."
How does it affect the flavor of baked goods?
"Unrefined coconut oil has a definite coconut flavor, which can come through in baked goods," said Chappell. While that can be a very good thing, if that's not the flavor you're looking for, Chappell suggests choosing refined coconut oil.
Is coconut oil healthier than other fats?
While coconut oil is a saturated fat, we like to think of it as a "good fat." Why? Unlike the typical saturated fat found in animal products (long-chain fatty acids), the plant-based saturated fat in coconut oil (medium-chain fatty acids) is more readily burned as energy rather than stored as fat. Plus, it's free of the scary trans fat found in most shortenings and margarines, and it's super high in lauric acid, which is both antiviral and immunity-boosting.
Does it work for greasing the pan instead of nonstick cooking spray?
Yup. You can either use a pastry brush or a clean paper towel to grease the pan with coconut oil, or give coconut oil nonstick cooking spray a try. We heart Spectrum Naturals Coconut Spray Oil or Trader Joe's Coconut Oil Spray.
Are there any helpful cookbooks to help me get started baking with coconut oil?
We love BabyCakes: Vegan, (Mostly) Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes From New York's Most Talked-About Bakery and The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions.
mercredi 17 février 2016
This Duo Sang "Circle of Life" With Modern Lyrics, and It's Hilariously Real
Have you unplugged lately? Because you're not alone if your phone is the first thing you look at when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you see before falling asleep. YouTubers Dustin & Genevieve perfectly summed up this modern life in a single, hilarious song.
The viral music video for "Virtual Life," their take on The Lion King's "Circle of Life," comically points out the various tech-fueled flaws in today's society. And while lyrics like "There's my mama ranting 'bout Obama / in all caps, improper use of commas" will certainly make you chuckle, there's definitely a more serious message within the funny video. Consider the chorus:
It's the virtual life and it fools us all,
we compare and scroll so we'll measure up,
We will take selfies in the perfect lighting,
It's the virtual, the virtual life.
The entire surprisingly gorgeous rendition of the Disney song will make you laugh, especially the references to stalking college acquaintances on Instagram and taking an hour to snap the perfect social media photo. But as you watch, let it also serve as a reminder to put down the phone and live authentically every so often. It doesn't get much more #blessed than that!
How to Hack Your Own Magic Bullet Blender With a Mason Jar
The Advice You Need to Hear on Having Gorgeous Winter Skin
Chapped lips, raw and wind-ravaged hands, skin that's begging for an extra hit of moisture - you know the drill. Winter always takes its toll on our skin. Some women, however, seem to stay in tip-top beauty shape all year long. Their secret is simple: they know who makes the good stuff, what skin care and body products stand up to cold-weather conditions, and when to make the switch to a more heavy-duty beauty arsenal that leaves them feeling protected, nourished, and pampered. Fortunately, these beauty bloggers are willing to share this wisdom by revealing what's on their bathroom shelves when Winter hits. Ready to make a store run?
9 of the Smartest Nail Hacks You've Never Heard Before
For the nail art obsessed among us, Fashion Week is prime time to steal new inspiration from the runways. But, it's also a great time for learning new tips and tricks for achieving the DIY nail art of our dreams - from something as subtle as an inverted French to something more intense, like hand-drawn animals.
We went backstage to learn all of the secrets from some of the best manicurists in the business this Fall 2016 season, and are sharing them all with you. Up your nail art game with these hacks from the pros.
Sia's Carpool Karaoke Session Will Make You Wig Out in the Best Way
James Corden's latest Carpool Karaoke session is here, and the latest guest is none other than the insanely talented Sia. The Australia singer drove around town with the host of The Late Late Show and showed off her amazing voice and hilarious personality. In addition to belting out her hits like "Alive" and "Chandelier," they also rock out to Rihanna's "Diamonds" and talk about Sia's famous wig. James then tries to imitate her signature notes before the two talk about believing in aliens. Watch the funny clip above, then check out all of James's Carpool Karaoke sessions.
Stevie Wonder Wins For Best Joke at the Grammys
Stevie Wonder attended the Grammys in LA on Monday night and brought along some of his signature charm. After the legendary singer performed a touching tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire's founding member, Maurice White, with Pentatonix, he cracked a hilarious joke. While opening the envelope to announce the winner for song of the year, Stevie hilariously told the audience, "Pop it open. Damn. OK, so, all you can't read this, huh? You can't read and you can't read braille!" He then took a serious and heartwarming turn before giving Taylor Swift her award. "I just have to say before saying the winner that we need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability," he continued. Watch his joke above, and then check out his amazing Carpool Karaoke session with James Corden.
Taylor and Selena's Sweetest BFF Moments Through the Years
Over the past couple years, Taylor Swift has surrounded herself with plenty of awesome, famous female friends, but there's something extra special about her relationship with Selena Gomez, who joined her at the Grammys this week. They have been close since their early days in the spotlight, regularly showing their love for each other during interviews and on social media. Back in 2009, Selena told Seventeen how much their friendship means to her, saying, "Every single problem I ever have is healable by Taylor Swift! If I ever I have an issue, Taylor has gone through it, because she's older than me, and she gives the most thought-out answers . . . We literally talk every day."
Years later, Selena gave an example of that Taylor wisdom when she appeared on The Talk in 2014, saying that Taylor once told her this gem: "'Selena, if you're the smartest person in the room, I think you're going to be in the wrong room.'" Meanwhile, Taylor once called Selena "the closest thing" she's ever had to a sister, and their Instagram feeds are full of sweet snaps. Check out some of Taylor and Selena's best BFF moments through the years, and then watch Selena's sweet reaction to Taylor's win at Monday night's Grammys!
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